A Novel Ultra-compact Star Scanner
Project Description
This research is an innovative approach to fuse the rapid advancements in miniaturized high-speed electronics with the ultra-compact freeform optical design from our FY16 efforts to create the next generation of stellar scanner instruments.
The objective of this project is to develop a novel star scanner sensor prototype for integrated Cubesat structures that desire streamlined Guidance, Navigation and Control (GN&C) components. This prototype will be the first star scanner developed to slide into a frame and can be easily swapped with other components. This modularity would significantly reduce CubeSat development time, cost, and integration.
The four primary objectives are to develop new freeform optical alignment methods for the mechanical structure. Next, utilize/manufacture a sensor electronics board with a slim volume and develop mature signal processing algorithms specifically for attitude determination software. Last, perform a trade study on emerging detector technology, that promises ~20% (or greater) noise reduction for Goddard Cubesat sensor and instruments.
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Anticipated Benefits
A spin stabilized Cubesat platform based on Goddard Spaceflight Center (GSFC) current cubesat designs can benefit from this Ultra-compact technology investment. In the current space limited design for current GSFC CubeSats, there is more than enough volume for slim sensor to enhance the Guidance Navigation and Control (GN&C) knowledge. The combination of this radical optical design and front-end optical design research can revolutionize the way instruments/sensors in science and engineering are applied to GSFC long-term science goals.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Goddard Space Flight Center
(GSFC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Greenbelt, Maryland |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
Maryland
