PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The goal of this program was the development and qualification of two replacement subunits of the LCT to reduce overall risk in production and LCT cost. The units are the Fame Unit Structure (FUS) and the Telescope Unit (TLU). The target is to maintain the performance of the existing LCT design, but increase design confidence for stable production. This includes reduced TLU delivery times and improved AIT processes.
Challenges
The developed units are essential for the mechanical and thermal stability of the laser communication system since they provide the interface to the spacecraft as well as to the optical head. Therefore, their achieved stability under launch loads and thermal loads in space were critical. Furthermore, the a thermal optical performance of the telescope as well as high stray light and false light levels were a main driver for the design.
System Architecture
For the framework of this project two major units of Tesat’s Laser Communication Terminal are addressed. These are the Telescope Unit (TLU) and the Frame Unit Structure (FUS).
Plan
The main activity of this project includes a complete redevelopment and qualification of the Telescope Unit by Hensoldt Optronics GmbH. Due to significant influence of FUS and TLU on mechanical design of LCT the qualification approach of TLU includes a mechanical demonstrator (LMD) to qualify required mechanical loads. The LMD mainly consists of the TLU, FUS, and CPA qualification units to verify their mechanical interaction.
Current Status
The project has been completed with a successful qualification after a redesign of the first approach for TLU design.
Companies
