Feasibility of Using Cubesats to Detect Oil Spills and Photochemical Oxidation
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Environmental Science
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
Minimizing the ecological impact of oceanic oil spills such as the 2010 Deepwater Horizon depends on efficient and cost-effective cleanup methods. Currently, the most cost-effective method to dispose of spilt oil is with the application of chemical dispersants. However, once spilt oil reaches the surface, it begins photochemical oxidation, lessening dispersant efficacy in disposing oil. Oxidation may occur very quickly, potentially in less than a day after the oil reaches the surface. Thus, in oil spills located far from the shore, using aircraft to analyze oxidation may take too long. Satellite sensing can give the ability to perform such analysis in a much quicker timeframe. As a means to inexpensive space missions, CubeSats give the opportunity to perform simple space missions such as Earth imaging. Using parts analogous to those on an actual mission, a prototype CubeSat was created and performed a simulated mission. Our results show that a mission to detect oil oxidation would be possible, or software could be implemented on existing CubeSat or other satellite missions.
Recommended Citation
Coble, Daniel, "Feasibility of Using Cubesats to Detect Oil Spills and Photochemical Oxidation" (2020). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 130.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2020/all/130
Location
Furman Hall 229
Start Date
3-28-2020 11:15 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
Feasibility of Using Cubesats to Detect Oil Spills and Photochemical Oxidation
Furman Hall 229
Minimizing the ecological impact of oceanic oil spills such as the 2010 Deepwater Horizon depends on efficient and cost-effective cleanup methods. Currently, the most cost-effective method to dispose of spilt oil is with the application of chemical dispersants. However, once spilt oil reaches the surface, it begins photochemical oxidation, lessening dispersant efficacy in disposing oil. Oxidation may occur very quickly, potentially in less than a day after the oil reaches the surface. Thus, in oil spills located far from the shore, using aircraft to analyze oxidation may take too long. Satellite sensing can give the ability to perform such analysis in a much quicker timeframe. As a means to inexpensive space missions, CubeSats give the opportunity to perform simple space missions such as Earth imaging. Using parts analogous to those on an actual mission, a prototype CubeSat was created and performed a simulated mission. Our results show that a mission to detect oil oxidation would be possible, or software could be implemented on existing CubeSat or other satellite missions.
