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
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