Magnetospheric constellation missions

Synthesising multi-point in situ observations from the magnetosphere is the only way to obtain an accurate knowledge of the driving mechanisms of mass, flux and energy flow while "imaging" its vast volume. The NASA Magnetospheric Constellation mission DRACO can give us a view of the rapid topological reconfigurations and the energy circulation throughout the astrophysical laboratory closest to human space activity. In this paper we argue that the deployment of similar to 60-80 autonomous nano-satellites (probes) to measure the plasma and magnetic field is necessary for answering long standing, high priority questions regarding magnetospheric stability and dynamics. The proposed mission concept is technically feasible and fiscally modest. The nano-satellites will be placed in orbits with 2 - 3 Re perigees and apogees ranging from similar to 7 to 40 Re by a single dispenser. Each will weigh similar to 10 kg. The mission will form the cornerstone of an incrementally deployed series of Solar Terrestrial Probe Line Magnetospheric Constellations. Follow-on missions to provide synoptic maps of magnetic and electric fields, derived from particle drift patterns, in the inner magnetosphere (Constellation ORION) and to study the interaction between the solar wind and the Earth (Constellation HERCULES) were also considered.