Asynchronous Star-Tracker for Real-Time, High-Spin Attitude Control

As a response to this solicitation, Alphacore Inc. is proposing a novel star-tracker architecture that leverages Alphacore’s patent-pending in-house developed radiation hardened event-based sensor (EBS), offering significant advantages in handling high angular rates crucial for applications encountering high-spin scenarios.It incorporates Alphacore’s high-speed image sensor and a powerful processor, enabling attitude computation through advanced algorithms that efficiently process streams of data. EBS introduces a groundbreaking imaging approach for space, potentially solving numerous issues faced by traditional star tracker systems.EBS only record changes in the scene, in a μs temporal resolution and asynchronously; with pixels operating independently. Alphacore’s EBS offer several unique advantages that make it particularly well-suited for space applications addressing Space operations’ need for speed,Asynchronous Updates providing over 10,000 fps (equivalent),High Dynamic Range for Varied Space Lighting Conditions in space (over 120 db), Lower Latency (order of μs),Reduced Data Volume (shown to be 100x compared to conventional),Robustness to Motion Blur, Payload Limited Power Consumption (<100mW is typical) and Simplified Spacecraft System Design.In Phase I, Alphacore plans to create a “digital twin” of the system which will be a virtual representation of the physical system (by detailed modeling of each module), that is designed to simulate performance and behavior. and help aid in design of development of the system. The modules will consist of (1) Input Star Pattern Generation (2) Baffle/Stray light suppression (3) Optics (4) Image Sensor; EBS and other image sensors(5) Algorithm (6) On-board real-time computation (FPGA/ GPU/CPU) and (7) Mechanical. We will conduct a comprehensive trade-space study and prototype optimization. As a final step, lab-based proof-of-concept tests using COTS components will be conducted – which will also be used to test the model.