PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The objective of the project is the qualification of the ASTRO APS such as to obtain a new, highly reliable, up-to-date star tracker based on the Active Pixel Sensor (APS) technology.
The qualification process is based upon a predevelopment of Jena-Optronik’s
new generation APS star trackers. An elegant breadboard has been built and tested. The results achieved have demonstrated the technical feasibility and encouraged the next step towards a fully qualified sensor.
In particular the activity will include the following tasks:
- Redesign of the electronics from the EM configuration to the EQM
- Redesign of the S/W according to lessons learned from the EM tests and implementation of advanced acquisition algorithms
- Re-work of the EM mechanical structure and optics for the usage in the EQM (if necessary) and optimization of APS detector cooling
- Procurement of the DC/DC-converter
- Surface Mounted Technology (SMT) Process Verification
- Manufacturing, Assembly and Integration of the star tracker unit including baffle
- Qualification test campaign of the star tracker including baffle
Key feature of the Jena Optronik APS star tracker is the very compact mechanical design and robust acquisition and processing of star image data due to advanced processing techniques which will be of benefit to next generation satellite platforms.
Challenges
The key-issues addressed in scope of this qualification are the following:
- Redesign of the electronics from the EM configuration to the EQM
- Redesign of the S/W according to lessons learned from the EM tests and implementation of advanced acquisition algorithms
- Re-work of the EM mechanical structure and optics for the usage in the EQM (if necessary) and optimization of APS detector cooling
- Procurement of the DC/DC-converter
- Surface Mounted Technology (SMT) Process Verification
- Manufacturing, Assembly and Integration of the star tracker unit including baffle
- Qualification test campaign of the star tracker including baffle
Current Status
The ASTRO APS Star Tracker EQM successfully completed the qualification test campaign. The APS Star Tracker has shown excellent performance. It outreached the specified requirements especially in terms of accuracy and robustness to space environment (Moon, Radiation Robustness). The design expectations are very well met.
The ASTRO APS Star Tracker is well suited to fulfil the mission requirements of Alphasat, Small GEO, Sentinel-2 and EarthCARE, missions for which ASTRO APS us currently contracted for.
