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Project

Thermal, Structural and Optical Design of Astronomical Spectroscopy Nanosatellites

Over the last decade, exoplanet searches and seismic studies of the interior of stars have taken a giant leap thanks to space telescopes monitoring subtle light variations of stars photometrically. Photometry from more economical nanosat-platforms has been demonstrated, but so far spectroscopy from CubeSats is unexplored territory. One of the important challenges is to have a mechanical, thermal and optical design that is robust for the typical large thermal variations on CubeSats, and maintains spectral line stability throughout orbital phases and spacecraft attitudes. In this PhD project we will develop innovative structural and thermal designs for astronomical spectroscopy nanosatellites, delivering the tight tolerances on the optical payload required to guarantee month-long stability in the measurements. We will verify our design and analysis via mechanical and thermal-vacuum ground tests, and the Belgian in-orbit demonstration mission of the CUBESPEC astronomical CubeSat spectrometer.

Date:18 Jun 2020 →  15 Jun 2021
Keywords:Astronomical Instrumentation, Spacecraft Design and Analysis, CubeSats
Disciplines:Astronautical engineering, Astronomical and space instrumentation
Project type:PhD project