Session
Session 8: Frank J. Redd Student Competition
Abstract
Adaptive optics is an imaging technique that has been used on many ground based telescopes to improve image resolution and reduce the effects of atmospheric turbulence. While adaptive optics has known uses on the ground, applying this technique to space telescopes has major advantages for exoplanet imaging, inter-satellite laser communication, high energy systems, and other military applications. The Deformable Mirror Demonstration Mission (DeMi) is a 6U CubeSat, that will demonstrate the use of adaptive optics, specifically a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) deformable mirror, in space. Not only will the DeMi mission characterize the deformable mirror on-orbit, the mission will also demonstrate deformable mirror control using closed loop image plane sensing and wavefront sensing on internal and external light sources. DeMi uses COTS components like Thorlabs mirrors, Pixelink complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor cameras, and a Boston Micromachines Corporation “multi” deformable mirror. DeMi is currently in the optical integration and testing stage. The payload design and assembly is being tested by assembling 3D printed payload components. Optical alignment and configuration is being tested by mounting the optical components to the 3D printed payload assembly. Current and future testing will inform payload design and payload assembly plan changes. DeMi is expected to launch winter of 2019.
Payload Configuration, Integration and Testing of the Deformable Mirror Demonstration Mission (DeMi) CubeSat
Adaptive optics is an imaging technique that has been used on many ground based telescopes to improve image resolution and reduce the effects of atmospheric turbulence. While adaptive optics has known uses on the ground, applying this technique to space telescopes has major advantages for exoplanet imaging, inter-satellite laser communication, high energy systems, and other military applications. The Deformable Mirror Demonstration Mission (DeMi) is a 6U CubeSat, that will demonstrate the use of adaptive optics, specifically a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) deformable mirror, in space. Not only will the DeMi mission characterize the deformable mirror on-orbit, the mission will also demonstrate deformable mirror control using closed loop image plane sensing and wavefront sensing on internal and external light sources. DeMi uses COTS components like Thorlabs mirrors, Pixelink complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor cameras, and a Boston Micromachines Corporation “multi” deformable mirror. DeMi is currently in the optical integration and testing stage. The payload design and assembly is being tested by assembling 3D printed payload components. Optical alignment and configuration is being tested by mounting the optical components to the 3D printed payload assembly. Current and future testing will inform payload design and payload assembly plan changes. DeMi is expected to launch winter of 2019.
