The CubeSpec mission: high resolution spectroscopy from a CubeSat

Bart Vandenbussche; Gert Raskin; Hugues Sana; Dirk Vandepitte; Jeroen De Maeyer; Pierre Royer; Leonardo Peri; Andrew Tkachanko; Sibo Van Gool; Jorden Windey; Philippe Neuville; Dominic Bowman; Johan Morren; Jake Pember; Maddalena Reggiani; Wim De Munter; Maarten Kempenaers; Bram Vandorden; Tjorven Delabie

doi:10.1117/12.3021372

23 August 2024 The CubeSpec mission: high resolution spectroscopy from a CubeSat

Bart Vandenbussche, Gert Raskin, Hugues Sana, Dirk Vandepitte, Jeroen De Maeyer, Pierre Royer, Leonardo Peri, Andrew Tkachanko, Sibo Van Gool, Jorden Windey, Philippe Neuville, Dominic Bowman, Johan Morren, Jake Pember, Maddalena Reggiani, Wim De Munter, Maarten Kempenaers, Bram Vandorden, Tjorven Delabie

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13092, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave; 1309206 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3021372
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Abstract

CubeSpec is an in-orbit demonstration CubeSat mission in the ESA GSTP programme, developed and funded by the Belgian federal space policy BELSPO. The goal of the mission is to demonstrate high-spectral-resolution astronomical spectroscopy from a 12-unit CubeSat. The technological challenges are numerous. The optical payload, consisting of an off-axis Cassegrain telescope and a compact Echelle spectrometer have been designed to fit in the bigger half of a 12U CubeSat (12x20x30cm). The telescope is built entirely from a ceramic material to limit defocusing when the spacecraft thermal environment changes. The payload radiator is shielded from the Sun via a deploying Sun shade, allowing pointing to a large part of the sky without illuminating the radiator panel. The high resolution spectrograph requires arcsecond-level pointing stability. This is achieved using a performant 3-axis wheel stabilised attitude control system with two star trackers augmented with a piezo-actuated 3-axis fine beam steering mechanism in the payload. CubeSpec is now starting the implementation phase, with a planned launch in 2026. A qualification and a flight model are being constructed and tested. We give an overview of the mission, its technologies and qualification status.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Bart Vandenbussche, Gert Raskin, Hugues Sana, Dirk Vandepitte, Jeroen De Maeyer, Pierre Royer, Leonardo Peri, Andrew Tkachanko, Sibo Van Gool, Jorden Windey, Philippe Neuville, Dominic Bowman, Johan Morren, Jake Pember, Maddalena Reggiani, Wim De Munter, Maarten Kempenaers, Bram Vandorden, and Tjorven Delabie "The CubeSpec mission: high resolution spectroscopy from a CubeSat", Proc. SPIE 13092, Space Telescopes and Instrumentation 2024: Optical, Infrared, and Millimeter Wave, 1309206 (23 August 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3021372

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available