A micro/nano satellite mission idea contest for deep space science and exploration

Micro/nano-satellite technology development first started as either an educational or research tool primarily at universities and has spread rapidly across the world and found many practical applications. Recent technology advancement has enabled micro/nano satellites to become one of the platforms for deep space science and exploration missions. In order to provide an opportunity for students and researchers worldwide to propose a mission of deep space science and exploration using a micro/nano satellite, the 7^th Mission Idea Contest (MIC) will focus on these missions. This is because the technological field of LEO satellites is already well-established, and so we consider that creation of a deep space mission will give the young generation more motivation towards the “Frontier.” MIC has provided aerospace engineers, college students, consultants, scientists, and anybody interested in space with opportunities to present their creative ideas and gain attention internationally. The 7^th Mission Idea Contest (MIC7) is to open a door to new opportunities for proposing a deep space mission using a micro/nano satellite. There are several examples and emerging opportunities for micro/nano satellites in these types of missions. In this paper, we briefly introduce the past Mission Idea Contests and present examples of deep space missions using micro/nano satellites for MIC7, and follow this with a discussion on why it is important for UNISEC-Global to organize a “Mission Idea Contest for Deep Space Science and Exploration .