The Australian Space Eye: studying the history of galaxy formation with a CubeSat
- Paper number
IAC-17,A7,2,2,x39760
- Author
Dr. Anthony Horton, Australian Astronomical Observatory, Australia
- Coauthor
Dr. Lee Spitler, Macquarie University, Australia
- Coauthor
Dr. Naomi Mathers, Space Industry Association of Australia, Australia
- Coauthor
Mr. Mike Petkovic, Advanced Instrumentation and Technology Centre (AITC), Australia
- Coauthor
Dr. Douglas Griffin, University of New South Wales ADFA, Australia
- Coauthor
Mr. Simon Barraclough, UNSW Australia, Australia
- Coauthor
Dr. Craig Benson, University of New South Wales ADFA, Australia
- Coauthor
Mr. Igor Dmitrijevic, University of New South Wales ADFA, Australia
- Coauthor
Prof. Andrew Lambert, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Coauthor
Mr. Anthony Previte, Tyvak International SRL, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. John Bowen, Tyvak International SRL, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Solomon Westerman, Tyvak International SRL, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Jordi Puig-Suari, California Polytechnic State University, United States
- Coauthor
Prof. Sam Reisenfeld, Macquarie University, Australia
- Coauthor
Dr. Jon Lawrence, Australian Astronomical Observatory, Australia
- Coauthor
Mr. Ross Zhelem, Australian Astronomical Observatory, Australia
- Coauthor
Prof. Matthew Colless, Australian National University, Australia
- Coauthor
Prof. Russell Boyce, University of New South Wales ADFA, Australia
- Year
2017
- Abstract
The Australian Space Eye is a proposed astronomical telescope based on a 6U CubeSat platform. The Space Eye will exploit the low level of systematic errors achievable with a small space based telescope to enable high accuracy measurements of the optical extragalactic background light (EBL) and low surface brightness emission around nearby galaxies. To date absolute measurements of the EBL have proven elusive at these wavelengths; the variability of atmospheric emission and scattering make ground based measurements difficult while attempts to use sounding rockets have struggled to accumulate sufficient exposure time. An dedicated orbital telescope is required for a robust measurement, and Space Eye has been designed to fill this role. The scientific payload of Space Eye is a 90~mm diameter, clear aperture, all refractive telescope for wide field imaging using a set of 6 broadband filters in the \textit{i$'$} (700--850 nm) and \textit{z$'$} (850--1000nm) bands. The telescope design is optimised to minimise all sources of stray light which, when combined with the advantages of the space environment, will enable the most accurate measurements of the EBL so far. This project is also a demonstrator for several technologies with general applicability to astronomical observations from nanosatellites, in particular arcsecond level instrument pointing stability and efficient image sensor temperature control. These crucial capabilities are commonplace in larger scientific satellites but have yet to be flight proven in a CubeSat platform. For the former we have developed a two stage ADCS concept combining high precision star trackers, reaction wheels, and sensor-shift image stabilisation in the science instrument focal plane. Detailed system modelling, incorporating in flight performance data for many of the components, has verified that the design can achieve sub-arcsecond level pointing stability. We have also designed a thermal control system and concept of operations that enables passive cooling of the image sensor to below -40$^\circ$C despite a thermally unfavourable low Earth orbit.- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-17,A7,2,2,x39760.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.