Miniaturized Interferometric Star Tracker for Cubesats (C-MiST)

ABSTRACT: Optical Physics Company (OPC) is proposing to design and build a flight ready miniature interferometric star tracker unit for cubesats (C-MiST). C-MiST will be a stand-alone device with its own processor, built in software and a space plug-and-play architecture (SPA) compliant interface. OPC has been developing the interferometric star tracker concept under SBIR contracts funded by both the Air Force and MDA. The Navy has also funded two different applications of this tracker technology. Current interferometric star tracker technology maturity is TRL 4. During the first phase of this project, OPC proved the feasibility of the specific C-MiST design by analysis and simulation. During the Phase II project, the C-MiST design will be finalized with all components specified so they can be procured or built cost-effectively using available tools. C-MiST hardware includes the optics, the read-out and processor electronics, and the mechanical enclosure including sunshade. These parts will be assembled into a complete C-MiST unit and subjected to both laboratory and field tests to verify flight readiness. Starfield image processing modules embedded in flight software and a SPA-compliant cubesat interface will be coded and tested. At the end of the Phase II project, C-MiST will be delivered to AFRL. BENEFIT: OPC is building three product lines around its interferometric star tracker technology. These product lines are star trackers for spacecraft guidance, navigation and control, sensors for ISR missions for tracking dim objects of interest, and GPS independent navigation and guidance on airborne platforms. The hardware and software developed for the self contained C-MiST package will benefit all three product lines. At the national level, any star tracker development project should be aimed at reviving the domestic manufacturing base for this device which has been waning in the United States. OPC has been investing in star tracker technology development with the goal of becoming a star tracker device manufacturer. OPC is already working on realizing this vision and has formulated a funding scenario to reach this goal.