Mauve CubeSat: Pioneering Continuous Observation of Stellar Flares
This autumn marks a historic moment for C3S, as three of our satellites are set to launch on SpaceX Falcon-9 Transporter-15 mission within days. Alongside the 2 WISDOM satellites the Mauve scientific 16-unit CubeSat will also begin its mission. Its significance has already been recognized by international media.
A New Era in Stellar Observation
Mauve will study the magnetic activity and ultraviolet radiation of stars, with a particular focus on stellar flares and their effects on exoplanets. Its scientific novelty lies in being the first CubeSat to conduct continuous observations of the temporal variations of stellar flares, pioneering research in this field. Equipped with a 13 cm telescope and a redundant spectrometer, Mauve will monitor hundreds of nearby stars continuously.
Engineering for Continuous Performance
Continuous observation presents not only scientific challenges but also engineering ones, as the mission requires a reliable and uninterrupted data stream. Our goal was to develop a system capable of continuously supporting the scientific objectives throughout the satellite’s full three-year lifetime. This requires a fault-tolerant, stable, and well-coordinated onboard and ground infrastructure.
C3S’s Contribution to the Mauve Mission
C3S as a platform prime contributes to this system through the development and manufacturing of the structure, the onboard computer, the payload computer controller, electric power system, communication and tracking subsystems, and integration of the ADCS (Attitude Determination and Control System) and the telescope. Later, we will operate these systems to ensure high availability and safe, continuous operation of the satellite throughout its lifespan.
Launch and Early Mission Activities
Mauve, together with WISDOM, is expected to launch on November 26 aboard the SpaceX rocket. After reaching orbit, the first tasks will include establishing communication between the satellite and the ground station, activating onboard subsystems, and calibrating the instruments. Early next year, Mauve will begin its first stellar observations, with the scientific data transmitted via C3S ground systems to the Blue Skies Space team.
A Milestone for the Hungarian Space Industry
The Mauve mission represents another milestone for the Hungarian space industry, demonstrating C3S’s innovation and international engineering expertise, and strengthening Hungary’s position in small-satellite scientific research.
More information about the mission: https://bssl.space/mauve/
https://c3s.hu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MAUVE_RF_Turning-2.mp4
