We propose to study the capability for a parent spacecraft to transmit power and remotely manipulate a small probe spacecraft through a laser transmitter, entitled Sustained CubeSat Activity Through Transmitted Electromagnetic Radiation (SCATTER). This capability enables the mothership to intermittently deploy probes during a long-duration deep space mission to Uranus where the use of only PV and battery power sources would be infeasible. Using these probes allows a single mission to provide enhanced scientific measurements such as magnetic field gradients, leading to a better understanding of the ice giants, which are the least explored planets in our solar system.

Enable distributed sensing of outer planetary magnetospheres. Minimize mass and power requirements on remote sensor platform while enhancing range of length scales between measurements. Develop architecture for chipsats and other small spacecraft to support long-duration outer solar system exploration.