The QUEEN mission to demonstrate an optical Rb frequency reference payload and advanced small satellite platform technology
M.F. Barschke1, A.N. Dinkelaker2, A. Bawamia3, J. Bartholomäus1, A. Kaparthy1, S. Rotter1, P. Werner1, E. Klioner1, C. Jonglez1, J.M. Haces Crespo1, M. Krutzik2, C. Schmidt4, C. Fuchs4, K. Jaeckel5, M. Reibe5
Published in:
70th International Astronautical Congress (IAC-19), Washington, USA, Oct.21-25 (2019).
Abstract:
The QUEEN mission is a microsatellite mission aimed at the demonstration of an optical frequency reference payload and advanced small satellite platform technology in orbit. Following the continuous advances of increasing miniaturization from laboratory setups to drop tower experiments to sounding rocket applications, the demonstration of such technologies on a small satellite mission marks the next step towards establishing optical quantum technologies in space. With the implementation of more demanding payloads, small satellite missions have become increasingly challenging and ever more complex over the years. These advances necessitate more efficient system designs as well as high-performance components regarding attitude control, power generation and distribution but also regarding payload data handling and data downlink. Thus, the QUEEN mission’s secondary objective is the demonstration of key components for high-speed data downlink on small satellites, namely an optical data downlink terminal and an X-band transceiver using novel MIMO techniques. As additional secondary payload, a camera system for medium-resolution video applications is implemented. The QUEEN spacecraft is based on the flight proven TUBiX20 platform of Technische Universität Berlin. Following an introduction to the primary and secondary payloads of QUEEN, the phase B design for the QUEEN configuration of the TUBiX20 platform is detailed in this paper.
1 Technische Universität Berlin, Germany
2 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany
3 Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik, Berlin, Germany
4 German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany
5 IQ wireless GmbH, Germany
Keywords:
Quantum technology, microsatellite, optical data downlink terminal, X-band transceiver, diode lasers, frequency reference.
Copyright © 2019 by Mr. Merlin Barschke. Published by the IAF, with permission and released to the IAF to publish in all forms. All rights reserved.
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