Development and qualification of ASTROtir
Programme
GSTP
Programme Reference
GT17-457SA
Prime Contractor
JENA-OPTRONIK GMBH
Start Date
End Date
Status
Closed
Country
Germany
Objectives
The objective of the activity is to develop and qualify ASTROtir, an IR camera for formation flying, docking and space situational awareness (SSA) applications. ;
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Description
The proposed activity is built on the results of G617-241TAhi - De-risk assessment: IR-Camera development for formation flying, docking and SSA applications.
Investigating the possible applications of cameras in space, there is a need to develop thermal or long wave infrared (IR) cameras for specific applications in space, such as SSA, formation flying and docking with a non-cooperative space object as well as detailed image generation of near satellite objects. To cover these additional application cases, an IR camera that is working in the long wave infrared (LWIR) wavelength is proposed, referred to as ASTROtir. This technology requires different detectors, lens materials and test equipment. As the LWIR/thermal wavelength range is not visible to the human eye, it requires a learning curve to get to know the specifics e.g. of the verification and calibration of such an IR camera.
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The de-risk activity de-coupled and advanced several technical objectives of the follow on activity. The outcome and knowledge gained on evaluation and trades related to the detector performance, behaviour and camera features as well as the experience with the calibration in the de-risk activity will enable a better planning and preparation for the proposed activity.
The main technical objectives of the full activity are the following:
? The design phase shall be successfully achieved resulting with the final ASTROtir design. Several design iterations, aiming at manufacturing first an engineering model shall take place.
? The verification concepts shall be matured into a released verification plan. In consequence, the ground service equipment (GSE) development and procurement can be started directly after the final design review.
? The QM qualification (including performance verification before and after environments, vibrations, shocks, thermal vacuum cycling, and full electromagnetic capability (EMC), electrostatic discharge (ESD) testing campaign).
? Proper qualification of all used materials, processes and components.
? Adapt and develop production and testing lines to cover this new type of product.
The ultimate goal of activity is to produce ASTROtir as series product with the production line fully setup up amp; tested and two EMs manufactured, QM qualified.
Application Domain
Generic Technologies
Technology Domain
10 - Flight Dynamics and GNSS
Competence Domain
3-Avionic Systems
Initial TRL
TRL 4
Target TRL
TRL 7
Achieved TRL
TRL N/A