Nebula Public Library

The knowledge bank of ESA’s R&D programmes

De-risk assessment: Space timing and Advanced ranging for CubeSat constellation - STAR CuCo

Programme
GSTP
Programme Reference
G617-241TAje
Prime Contractor
MUnique Technology GmbH
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
Germany
De-risk assessment: Space timing and Advanced ranging for CubeSat constellation - STAR CuCo
Objectives

Objective(s):

Minimize current ultra short pulse laser to fit within one CubeSat Unit (or less)
Modify mechanical setup to survive launch loads
Characterize laser system regarding temperature, vacuum, mechanical and radiation loads
Description

Background and justification:

MUnique Technology invented new length measurement device (DORT) for CubeSat constellation systems (µm resolution at 1000km distance)
DORT is in laboratory state (TRL 3-4) and contains of sensitive devices
Main part (ultra short pulse laser) must be developed to be applicable in space
First mission scenario is scientific earth gravimetry application (approx. GRACE) using CubeSats

Achievements and status:

Laser has final size of <1/5 CubeSat Unit (2cm x 8cm x 8cm)
All-in-fibre setup is casted in resin to maximize mechanical stability
Laser is fully functional within temperature range [5°C,45°C]
Vacuum has no impact on functionality
Vibration loads survived of selected mission scenario
Radiation loads of Low Earth Orbit mission with 2 year mission lifetime applied (30Gy), showing no major show stopper

Benefits:

Main part of the DORT system (ultra short pulse laser) modified and characterized
Laser survived all tests with better performances as expected
Requirements for surrounding decreased, since the laser system is now very robust
Application Domain
GEN-Generic Technologies
Technology Domain
17 - Optoelectronics
Competence Domain
1-EEE Components, Photonics, MEMS
Initial TRL
TRL N/A
Target TRL
TRL N/A
Achieved TRL
TRL N/A
Public Document
Executive Summary
Final Presentation