In-Space Demonstration of Submicron Active Optomechanical Control

Extreme Diagnostics and the University of Michigan (UM)nbsp;propose to fly the autonomous SmallSat we built under a Phase I/II SBIR supported by this NASA JPL technical topic. We are well experienced withnbsp;nanosatellites and are confident in our flight readiness. Members of our teamnbsp;built the flight computer and power systems for the JPL MarCO Mars A and B deep-space CubeSats.nbsp;We are ready to launch.nbsp;Implications of the innovationThe MARIO (Measurement of Actuator Response In Orbit) projectnbsp;utilizesnbsp;our existing 3U CubeSat in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to demonstrate active submicron optomechanical control for autonomous robotic assembly of large telescopes.nbsp;MARIO matures this technology to TRL 8/9 throughnbsp;closed loop controlnbsp;demonstrations based on Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) piezocomposite actuators. MFCs are rugged piezoelectrics developed at NASA Langley Research Center specifically for space.Technical objectivesPhase II willnbsp;mature active optomechanical control through these LEO activities:Precision autonomous robotic deployment and manipulationnbsp;of test beam structures;Sub-micron precision closed-loop controlnbsp;of active structures in space; andEvaluation and analysis of actuator response, stability and performance in LEO.Phase I established the ability of MARIOnbsp;to robotically deploy and control telescope modules.nbsp;This set the stage for flying MARIO.Research descriptionPhase I usednbsp;MARIO technology to control mirror elements.nbsp;Phase II conducts a 6ndash;12 month LEO mission demonstrating active submicron optomechanical control. Phase II also leverages MARIO flight data by exploring multi-dimensional actuators using new 3D printing methods.Anticipated resultsPhase II provides newnbsp;technology able to autonomously assemble, self-align and control a near-complete large structure deployed in space and subjected to quasi-static thermal effects.nbsp;