Studies and design of space optical payloads for in-orbit RPOD applications

Sammanfattning

The growing importance of in-orbit services in the evolving space sector brings a new set of challenges to ensure the reliability and safety of these missions. Industry efforts are now focused on exploiting advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence and state-of-the-art robotics to make these operations progressively more independent from ground-based control. In this context, it is crucial to provide autonomous systems responsible for Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) during Rendez-vous, Proximity Operations and Docking (RPOD) with reliable visual data. As part of its Rendez-vous solutions, Infinite Orbits is developing optical equipment to support these operations in Geostationary Equatorial Orbits (GEO). A space-grade camera with embedded computing capabilities to capture and process high resolution pictures is currently in the qualification stages. The system features the necessary interfaces to communicate with other satellite subsystems, which makes it suitable for receiving information from other sensors and controlling actuators. The camera can be customized in its optical elements to be optimized for far-range or close-to-terminal-range in-orbit services operations. My internship at Infinite Orbits has focused on supporting the system design and the qualification process of this camera, named OrbSight2 (OS2). In parallel, I led the optomechanical and thermal design of a flashlight intended to provide reliable illumination during docking operations with a client satellite. Altogether, this experience has provided enriching opportunities to follow the full design of orbital optical payloads with a specific focus and valuable insights into in-orbit services. I have leveraged and developed my skillset in optomechanical and thermal design on the one hand, and in the standardized methodology for the development, validation, and testing of complex space equipments on the other. I notably benefit the expertise of a team composed of mechanical, thermal, optical, electronics, and software engineers.