TESERACT: Twin Earth SEnsoR Astrophotonic CubesaT

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of using CubeSats equipped with astrophotonic chips for exoplanet atmosphere sensing, highlighting design considerations and potential for cost-effective space science missions.

Contribution

It introduces TESERACT, a CubeSat platform integrating astrophotonic instrumentation for transit spectroscopy, showcasing a novel approach to lightweight, targeted space science.

Findings

Design considerations for astrophotonic integration in CubeSats

Thermal and optical alignment challenges addressed

Proof of concept for astrophotonic CubeSat mission established

Abstract

In this paper, we evaluate the viability of CubeSats as an attractive platform for lightweight instrumentation by describing a proof of concept CubeSat that houses an astrophotonic chip for transit spectroscopy-based exoplanet atmosphere gas sensing. The Twin Earth SEnsoR Astrophotonic CubesaT (TESERACT) was designed to house a correlation spectroscopy chip along with an electrical and optical system for operation. We investigate design challenges and considerations in incorporating astrophotonic instrumentation such as component integration, thermal management and optical alignment. This work aims to be a pathfinder for demonstrating that astrophotonic-based CubeSat missions can perform leading edge, targeted science in lower-cost CubeSat platforms.