Miniature Interferometric Star Tracker for Harsh Space Environments

Optical Physics Company (OPC) is proposing to develop, manufacture, and test the TRL 5 prototype of a novel miniaturized interferometric star tracker (MiST). OPC comes into this project with a TRL 5 demonstration of the full size version of the interferometric star tracker (iST) design completed under an Air Force sponsored Phase II contract. During the 15-month Phase II effort, a prototype of MiST will be designed, assembled, and tested first in the laboratory and then in the field with a real star field. This will be followed by space qualification testing of key MiST components, specifically for exposure to radiation, thermal, vacuum and vibration environments. After these tests, using the exposed elements the MiST prototype will be reassembled and retested in the laboratory environment to uncover any performance losses. Phase II work will conclude with a TRL 6 MiST prototype design.