Interferometric Tracker for CubeSats

Optical Physics Company (OPC) is proposing to design, fabricate, test and deliver a payload package suitable for testing on a CubeSat. The payloads design is based on OPCs proven interferometric star tracker with demonstrated extraordinary accuracy in detecting and tracking many faint sources simultaneously in many different types of demanding missions.During the Phase I effort OPC completed the sensor design trade studies and formulated the sensor design concept. Phase I Option work is ongoing and will culminate in an interim Critical Design Review (CDR). During the Phase II base effort the design will be finalized, a full CDR will be conducted, and individual components of the payload, including the interferometer, the imaging optics, focal plane array, read-out circuits, processing electronics and software will be assembled and individually verified.During the Phase II Option 1 effort all elements will be integrated into a complete functioning sensor payload with software, optically aligned, calibration and acceptance tested. Finally the Phase II Option 2 effort will support the CubeSat spacecraft integration and flight (on-orbiting) testing of the sensor.