A Novel Small Satellite Mission for Antarctic Ice Shelf Monitoring Using Molniya Orbits

Antarctic ice-shelf movements are essential for controlling sea-level rise and global climate patterns. Continuous monitoring of the region poses substantial challenges due to the vast spatial extent, remote location, and harsh environmental conditions of Antarctica. The Antarctic Ice Exploration Experiment (AICE) mission concept is designed to address these challenges by tracking changes in Antarctic ice shelves using a satellite positioned in a highly elliptical orbit. The mission employs a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)- equipped 12U-class small satellite to effectively monitor designated areas of interest (AOI) over a nominal two-year mission period.

The proposed mission utilizes a single-satellite-single-maneuver (SSSM) configuration to reduce the overall mass of the satellite while minimizing the Δv budget, thereby maintaining the possibility of accessing a high-inclination orbit without any plane-change maneuvers, thus maximizing polar region observation capability. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) was selected as the primary scientific payload for the satellite to collect measurements of ice shelves for its ability to deliver high-resolution imagery in all-weather, day-and-night conditions, ensuring reliable coverage of Antarctic ice shelves. The radar payload features a 30° field of view to maximize the swath exceeding 400km during each pass.

To extend the observation time, the spacecraft is placed on a Molniya orbit with an inclination of 63.4°. It provides over 75% of the mission lifetime worth of observation window dedicated to Antarctic observations. The AICE mission demonstrates the feasibility of a single-satellite, single-maneuver spacecraft with SAR-enabled imagery, enabling sustained monitoring of the Antarctic region in highly elliptical orbits. The approach highlights a scalable and efficient solution for earth observation and information-gathering missions in long-term climate modeling, polar science, and the understanding of ice-sheet dynamics.