The Solar Transition Region UltraViolet Explorer

We propose to design, build, and operate the Solar Transition Region UltraViolet Explorer (STRUVE) CubeSat mission. STRUVE is a slit-scanning, full-Stokes spectropolarimeter that observes the Sun from 259 to 281 nm with a spectral resolving power of 41,500 and high signal-to-noise (SNR). The spectrograph is a cross-dispersed Echelle type with design heritage from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The observed wavelength region contains the well-known Mg II h and k lines as well as a number of Fe II lines that together will allow us to determine the parameters of the magnetized plasma in the volume of the solar atmosphere from the photosphere through the chromosphere, and into the transition region (TR) at the base of the corona. This capability is unprecedented, and highly relevant for an improved description of the magnetically connected solar atmosphere. The main objective of STRUVE is to advance our understanding of the energy build-up and storage in the solar atmosphere, and its eventual release through flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). STRUVE data will be interpreted using advanced forward modeling tools and inversion codes exploiting machine learning techniques. Both data and software will be made publicly available. The STRUVE project is an ambitious instrumentation effort in a 16U CubeSat spacecraft previously funded for a concept study through the H-FOS program. The instrument uses a tip/tilt mirror to achieve the instrument pointing stability required for accurate polarimetry. STRUVE will be launched in Q3 2028 and operate for a period of 10 months. STRUVE will observe many filaments, prominences, active regions, flares, and CMEs during its operational phase.

Enabling lower cost innovative remote sensing instrument development from concept through breadboard and demonstration

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