QuantSat-PT: an attitude determination and control system architecture for QKD
Year: 2022
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: This article presents the QuantSaT-PT project, an effort to create the first Portuguese nanosatellite for space to ground quantum communication. Focused on the Attitude Determination and Control System, it describes the different elements that allow for the attainment of diverse accuracy levels required for separate mission stages. Given the harsh pointing precision necessary for establishing a quantum downlink, the implementation of this module presents a major challenge in the Cubesat field. Furthermore, the introduced architecture aims to reduce system cost by replacing the state-of-the-art star tracker with ground beacon detection.
Authors: João Revés, Inês Viveiros, Rita Cunha, Rui Rocha, João Paulo Monteiro, Ana Borralho, Paulo André, Manfred Niehus, Pedro Mendes, João Ruas, Miguel Soares, David Pinho, Vladlen Galetsky, Carlos Fernandes, Emmanuel Zambrini Cruzeiro, Rafaela Ribeiro, Yasser Omar
Institutions: Instituto de Telecomunicações, Instituto Superior Técnico
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4287928407