曽根 理嗣

水素と酸素の電気化学反応を利用したエネルギー変換デバイスである固体高分子形燃料電池は大電力量を必要とするミッションにおいて従来の二次電池よりも小型軽量化が図れる電源システムであるため,多方面において注目を集めている.著者らはこれまでに外部からの加湿を行うことなく電解質膜を適切な湿潤状態に維持することが可能であり,且つ低圧環境下においても安定して動作できる100 W 級の燃料電池システムを開発し,スーパープレッシャー気球搭載を目指して成層圏環境を模擬した動作試験を行ってきた.これらの成果を踏まえ,本燃料電池システムを大気球に搭載し,実証フライトを実施することにより実環境下における特性評価を行ったので報告する.

This paper describes the on-orbit results and lessons learned of the small scientific satellite "INDEX" (REIMEI) for aurora observation and demonstration of advanced satellite technologies. REIMEI is a small satellite with 72kg mass, and is provided with three-axis attitude controlled capabilities for aurora observation. REIMEI was launched into a nearly sun synchronous polar orbit on Aug. 23^<rd>, 2005 (UT) from Baikonur, Kazakhstan by Dnepr rocket. REIMEI satellite functions satisfactorily on the orbit. Three axis control is achieved with accuracy of 0.05 deg. Multi-spectrum images of aurora are taken with 8Hz rate and 2 km spatial resolution to investigate the aurora physics. REIMEI is a small scientific satellite for aurora observation and advanced satellite technologies, and was launched into a nearly sun synchronous polar orbit on Aug. 23^<rd>, 2005 (UTC) from Baikonur, Kazakhstan by Dnepr rocket. REIMEI satellite functions satisfactorily on the orbit. The three-axis attitude control is achieved with accuracy of 0.05deg. REIMEI is performing the simultaneous observation of aurora images as well as particle measurements. REIMEI indicates that even a small satellite launched as a piggy-back can successfully perform the unique scientific mission purposes.