The QUEEN mission to demonstrate an optical Rb frequency reference payload and advanced small satellite platform technology

Paper number

IAC-19,B4,6A,1,x49986

Author

Mr. Merlin F. Barschke, Germany, Technische Universität Berlin

Coauthor

Dr. Aline N. Dinkelaker, Germany, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Coauthor

Dr. Ahmad Bawamia, Germany, Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik

Coauthor

Mr. Julian Bartholomäus, Germany, Technische Universität Berlin

Coauthor

Mr. Akash Kaparthy, Germany, Technische Universität Berlin

Coauthor

Mr. Sven Rotter, Germany, Technische Universität Berlin

Coauthor

Mr. Philipp Werner, Germany, Technische Universität Berlin

Coauthor

Ms. Elizabeth Klioner, Germany, Technische Universität Berlin

Coauthor

Mr. Clement Jonglez, Germany, Technische Universität Berlin

Coauthor

Mr. Juan Maria Haces Crespo, Germany, Technische Universität Berlin

Coauthor

Dr. Markus Krutzik, Germany, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Coauthor

Mr. Christopher Schmidt, Germany, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Coauthor

Mr. Christian Fuchs, Germany, German Aerospace Center (DLR)

Coauthor

Dr. Klaus Jaeckel, Germany, IQ wireless GmbH

Coauthor

Mr. Mathias Reibe, Germany, IQ wireless GmbH

Year

2019

Abstract

Small satellite missions have grown more and more complex over the recent years. State-of-the-art payloads may require pointing accuracy in the range of arcseconds, downlink capacities of up to several hundred Mbps and large amounts of power, even for CubeSat-class spacecraft. To keep up with the ever-increasing requirements, space-proven high-technology components are needed to deliver the desired performance. In this context the QUEEN mission aims to demonstrate and test components for future complex and demanding missions.

The primary payload of the QUEEN mission consists of a two photon rubidium vapour cell frequency standard that builds on extensive heritage of various drop tower experiments and sounding rocket missions. Compact, robust and space-proven frequency references are important building blocks for future applications and fundamental science missions based on atomic quantum sensors, e.g. for the next generation of global navigation satellite systems or quantum tests of gravity. 

Secondary payloads include an optical communications terminal, an X-band transceiver as well as a camera system for medium resolution video applications. The optical communications terminal OSIRIS has already been demonstrated in orbit within several missions. OSIRIS is planned for implementing a high-performance optical downlink for QUEEN, targeting at combining the highest performance with the smallest form factor demonstrated by OSIRIS to date. The X-band transceiver XLink builds on a flexible transceiver platform providing two uplink and two downlink channels. Within the QUEEN mission, high downlink data rates as well as highly reliable transmission modes shall be demonstrated. In addition, uplink in S and X band will be implemented.

The QUEEN satellite builds on the modular TUBiX20 platform of Technische Universität Berlin that already supports two other ongoing missions. TechnoSat, a 20 kg in-orbit technology demonstration mission, is currently in its second year of successful orbit operations. The second mission, TUBIN, will demonstrate wildfire detection based on microbolometer sensors and is presently in production phase. For the QUEEN mission, the platform will be extended to provide more electrical power and a high-speed Ethernet bus for the payloads. Furthermore, the thermal control system needs to be adopted to fulfil the demanding requirements of the quantum technology payload.

This paper summarises the results of the preliminary design phase of the QUEEN mission, while focussing on the platform variant that will support the QUEEN mission. Here, it is highlighted how the modular architecture of the platform allows to scale different parameters towards fulfilling the requirements of the QUEEN mission.

Abstract document

IAC-19,B4,6A,1,x49986.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-19,B4,6A,1,x49986.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.