The project aims to design, place and maintain in low orbit a powered nanosatellite. it falls within the context of growing interest in very low orbits, for their many benefits (reduced communication latency time, better resolution, lower launch costs, etc.).

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The satellite would be launched from the ISS and would descend to an altitude of 300km. This descent is based on the technique of aerobreaking, which consists of using atmospheric drag to slow down the satellite, orienting the largest surface perpendicular to the trajectory to maximize the drag force.

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Once at an altitude of 300 km, the station-keeping mission begins. At regular time intervals, the nanosatellite will begin a descent phase to reach a lower altitude of 10km. The flight will therefore take place in stages for a desired duration of 6 months: the mission will be extended if successful.

Illustration of the planned mission plan for IonSat: representation of the average altitude in an orbit as a function of time. The mission is considered a success after 6 months of station maintenance, or around three levels.