HERMES (High Energy Rapid Modular Ensemble of Satellites) Scientific Pathfinder (HERMES-SP) is a mission concept based on a constellation of nano-satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), hosting new miniaturized detectors to probe the X-ray temporal emission of bright high-energy transients such as Gamma-Ray Bursts (GRB) and the electromagnetic counterparts of Gravitational Wave Events (GWE). HERMES-SP main goal is to design and implement the first GRBs localisation experiment through a distributed space architecture realized by a 3 +3 CubeSat federation, each equipped with the novel detector to gain a wide deep space coverage and demonstrate capabilities in precisely localising the GRB event in space. HERMES-SP exploits synergies with an ongoing project funded by the Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). GRB localisation is gained by comparing time delays among the same event detection epochs occurred on - at least - 3 detectors spaced out on different satellites. Distribution in space and event detection are the fundamental ingredient to start building up the whole scientific experiment. HERMES-SP is aiming at demonstrating detection and localisation of high-energy transients feasibility with disruptive technologies and limited effort: simple payload on nano-satellites and a disruptive level of cost-effectiveness: 1-2 order of magnitude cost lower than that standard space projects (ESA class M mission, NASA Explorer mission), 1 order of magnitude lower lifecycle compared with 10-15 years for standard Space Science projects. The HERMES-SP represents also a step forward the HERMES Full Constellation (HERMES-FC), supposed to further increase the distributed detection points in space with several tents of detector-equipped CubeSats in LEO which timely and completely monitor the Universe listening for and chasing GWEs. It is, therefore preparatory for a proposal to European Entities (Commission, Space Agency), for the HERMES-FC implementation.

We propose building a ready to launch Cubesat (MAUVE) optimised for the observation of stars in the Ultra Violet (UV) spectral window. MAUVE will be designed and built by a consortium of space focused SMEs, and will be capable of observing over tens of different stars during its expected lifetime of 3 years, enabling studies of stellar flaring activity and exoplanet habitability. The MAUVE program will demonstrate the potential for cubesats to deliver data to the astronomical and planetary community that complement and enhance the outputs of science satellites built by ESA and other space agencies. Our Cubesat will move from TRL3 to TRL 6 within this project and will prove a 16U configuration for delivering excellent science data, while developing the key technologies in the interface with the detector, the thermal design and high performance pointing accuracy. The project and its subsequent development is based on the basic philosophy underpinning delivery of Space 4.0 capabilities in Europe, the establishment of private-public partnerships, with a unique commercial approach to space science data delivery, building a global community of scientists with European leadership. The delivery of such a complete system on such a condensed timescale will be a breakthrough in the technology available to the space community, enabling a new era of space research and exploration.