T3 Star Tracker

Status

Completed
Status date

2019-03-22
Activity Code

4C.053

Objectives

The objectives of the project are to develop a very compact star tracker targeting the increasing market for small satellites.

Challenges

The primary challenges faced during development of the T3 Star Tracker is to meet the very low physical envelope and power budget placing it as a strong candidate in the small satellite market.

Benefits

The T3 Star Tracker will fit into an envelope of 60x60x100 mm while maintaining a total power consumption of less than 1W.

Features

The T3 Star Tracker can provide attitude estimates at 5 Hz with an accuracy exceeding 2 arcseconds even under slew rates up to 1.5 deg/s.

System Architecture

Decomposing T3, it consists of a focal plane (with the sensor) and a computer in a single housing, with optics and baffle mounted on top.

Plan

The project consists of the following overall phases:
1.   Trade-Off & Consolidation Phase
2.   Design Phase
3.   Manufacturing & Test Phase
With phase transitions governed by the following reviews:
1.   Mid-Term Review
2.   Preliminary Design Review
3.   Final Review

Current status

Completed.