# UVsq-Sat NG, a New CubeSat Pathfinder for Monitoring Earth Outgoing Energy and Greenhouse Gases
## 3 Description of the Uvsq-Sat NG Space-Based Mission
### Concept of Operations--ConOps  
The Uvsq-Sat NG ConOps is similar to the one implemented in Uvsq-Sat [8] and Inspire-Sat 7 [9]. It outlines the entire operational concept, from the Pre-Launch Phase to the satellite's end of life. The implementation of this new satellite must take into account the lessons learned in orbit from the LATMOS satellites currently in orbit and still operational (Uvsq-Sat and Inspire-Sat 7). For example, and based on our lessons learned, the Uvsq-Sat NG design flight software must be capable of automatically managing a complete power cycle (e.g., implemented as part of an FDIR mechanism) for restoring the TRXVURX micro-controller unit, if it becomes'stuck', given that the TRXVU is the only Tele-Command uplink available on the satellite. The Uvsq-Sat NG ConOps is described below. * Pre-Launch Phase: The ConOps starts with a clear statement of the satellite's mission objectives, including its communication and education goals (Mission Objectives). Detailed requirements for the satellite system, payloads, and ground infrastructure are identified and documented (System Requirements). The satellite system, including the spacecraft bus, payloads, power subsystem, communication subsystem, and ADCS, is designed and integrated (System Design). This is the current status of the Uvsq-Sat NG mission as of September 2023. The upcoming tasks to be completed include full satellite integration and initial functional testing, environmental testing (vibration, thermal vacuum thermal cycling), ADCS validation, Pre-Launch Cal/Val, magnetic cleanliness verification of the satellite, software testing, communication tests, as well as power and energy testing. Additional tasks should be completed, including a possible satellite test in a vacuum chamber using an external Heliostat to redirect solar light onto Uvsq-Sat NG. This phase will conclude with the final checks and inspections of Uvsq-Sat NG, launch readiness review, and launch campaign planning. * Launch and Early Operations: The satellite will be launched into orbit using Falcon 9, Vega-C, Zephyr or a similar rocket launcher. The final choice has not been determined yet. For Early Operations in orbit, the satellite's subsystems will be initialized and checked to ensure they are functioning as expected in 'INIT' Mode. The satellite's position and orbit will be determined accurately using our ground-based tracking stations (Hermes and Elsa). Based on our experience, we will feature an automated procedure for its Early Operations. The following chronological steps will be implemented:
* From T0 to T0 + 30 min: deployment of the two solar panels, deployment of the UHF/VHF antennas, and deployment of the main Uvsq-Sat NG magnetometer. * At T0 + 40 min: The satellite switches to 'Detumbling' mode by relying on its ADCS. The iMTQ board is activated for 10 min to stabilize the CubeSat. * At T0 + 45 min: The satellite switches to 'Stand-by mode' and awaits the first Tele-Command (TC) from the LATMOS ground station. If no TC is received within 4 days, the initialization procedure restarts in 'debugging' mode (UHF/VHF antennas deployment), repeated every 4 days until the first TC is received. * At T0 + 4 days: the satellite switches to 'Nominal mode' using a TC from the LATMOS ground stations. * Nominal Operations: The satellite establishes communication links with ground stations to downlink data and receive commands for mission operations (Communication). The ADCS is used to maintain the satellite's desired orientation (Nadir Pointing Mode) for optimal data collection (Attitude Control). The Uvsq-Sat NG payloads are switched on for collecting data according to the mission's scientific or observation plan (Payloads Operation). Telemetry data, including the satellite's health status, are continuously transmitted to the ground stations, while commands from the ground are sent to the satellite for various operations (Telemetry and Command). * Calibration Operations: The ADCS is active during these operations.