Session
Session IV: LEO Missions
Abstract
On 16th December 2015 Athenoxat-1 was launched by a PSLV from India in to Equatorial Orbit. Athenoxat-1 has been developed by Microspace Rapid Pte Ltd to demonstrate the feasibility of night vision imaging on a 3U Cubesat. The night vision payload is based on a high sensitive CCD and, in combination with the large optical aperture allows for very fast imaging of Earth surface in the night with 25m resolution. In addition to the main payload, Athenoxat-1 is equipped with 4 optical payloads for wide angle and horizon imaging. Sensor placement allows capturing a synchronized view of Earth and Space across almost 4Pi steradians thereby allowing various ADCS experiments such as Nadir determination and Moon tracking. Attitude control is achieved by magnetorquers and reaction wheels specifically developed for this mission. The talk will focus on the mission achievements, difficulties and challenges and, while discussing the lessons learned, will trace a roadmap for future work.
Athenoxat-1, Night Vision Experiments in LEO
On 16th December 2015 Athenoxat-1 was launched by a PSLV from India in to Equatorial Orbit. Athenoxat-1 has been developed by Microspace Rapid Pte Ltd to demonstrate the feasibility of night vision imaging on a 3U Cubesat. The night vision payload is based on a high sensitive CCD and, in combination with the large optical aperture allows for very fast imaging of Earth surface in the night with 25m resolution. In addition to the main payload, Athenoxat-1 is equipped with 4 optical payloads for wide angle and horizon imaging. Sensor placement allows capturing a synchronized view of Earth and Space across almost 4Pi steradians thereby allowing various ADCS experiments such as Nadir determination and Moon tracking. Attitude control is achieved by magnetorquers and reaction wheels specifically developed for this mission. The talk will focus on the mission achievements, difficulties and challenges and, while discussing the lessons learned, will trace a roadmap for future work.
