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

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

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