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Ultra-Miniaturized Star Tracker for Small Satellite Attitude Control

Award Information
Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Branch: N/A
Contract: NNX13CG38P
Agency Tracking Number: 120163
Amount: $124,951.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: T8.01
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2012
Award Year: 2013
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2013-05-23
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2014-05-22
Small Business Information
NH
Hanover, NH 03755-3116
United States
DUNS: 072021041
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Paul Sorensen
 Principal Investigator
 (603) 640-2340
 phs@creare.com
Business Contact
 James Barry
Title: President
Phone: (603) 643-3800
Email: contractsmgr@creare.com
Research Institution
 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
 Lauren Magruder
 
1880 Pratt Drive, Suite 2006 (0170)
Blacksburg, VA 24060-24060
United States

 () -
 Domestic Nonprofit Research Organization
Abstract

Creare and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University propose to design, develop, test, and deliver an ultra compact star tracker specifically intended for small satellites such as the CubeSat platform. Our design is based on proprietary "folded optics" technology previously developed by our partner for use in military and commercial optical applications that require a compact footprint and high performance. The folded optics design is superior to conventional refractive optics in miniature star trackers because (1) the compact footprint is achieved without sacrificing accuracy; (2) the light-gathering aperture is much greater, leading to better sensitivity; (3) the aperture geometry makes the shielding baffles smaller; and (4) the imaging sensor can be shielded efficiently from cosmic radiation.During the Phase I project, we will demonstrate the feasibility of our innovation by finalizing the design, performing analysis to determine the optimal design parameters, and testing a benchtop prototype to verify the design models. In Phase II, we will fabricate the optimized design, test the prototype in the laboratory and in the field, and deliver the prototype to NASA.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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