A sample image from StarBerrySense. The image is inverted and hence stars appear black against a white background. The red circles mark the positions of stars that were compared with external databases.
Bengaluru: A novel low-cost sensor, StarBerrySense payload, which was launched by ISRO on board PSLV C-55 on April 22, 2023, has not only withstood the harsh conditions in space and is functioning as expected, the initial data has now validated its design as well as its function that shows that it is able to calculate the pointing direction.
It may be mentioned that for any space mission, it is crucial to know where the satellite is being pointed to at any given time. While there are several ways to do this, a star sensor provides the most accurate information about a spacecraft’s orientation. The start sensor designed by the Space Payloads Group at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is capable of finding its pointing direction in space by identifying the stars in its field of view. “This payload is built around the well-known minicomputer RaspberryPi, and the electronics and software were designed in-house,” said Bharat Chandra, the technical lead of the project and a PhD student at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics. “The advantage of this payload is that it is cost-effective, simple to build, and can be deployed on a wide variety of satellites,” he added.
The new low-cost star sensor is developed by astronomers with off-the-shelf components. It is mounted on the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) and is designed to quickly calculate where the satellite is pointing. It is being tested in space for the very first time.
“StarBerrySense was mounted on ISRO’s PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM), which provides a stable platform for our payload to operate from. POEM is a unique initiative by ISRO that utilises the spent 4th stage of the PSLV as an orbital platform for carrying out scientific experiments. It is an excellent opportunity to conduct short-term scientific experiments in space,” said Rekhesh Mohan, the Principal Investigator of the StarBerrySense project.
The primary objective was to assess its survivability and performance in space. “The flight qualification tests were done at the MGK Menon Laboratory for Space Sciences, located in the CREST campus of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics at Hosakote. Sky imaging tests were conducted at our Vainu Bappu Observatory”, said Binukumar, a former visiting scientist at IIA and a member of the StarBerrySense team. “During the days following the launch, we have verified that StarBerrySense is performing as expected in space,” said Shubham Ghatul, a PhD student in the team.
The main function of StarBerrySense is to image the field of view, correctly identify the stars it sees, and calculate the pointing direction. Shubhangi Jain, a PhD student in the team, said, “Analysis of the preliminary data has confirmed that the imaging equipment works as expected, and the onboard software is able to calculate the pointing direction.” “Using the images received from the payload, we are verifying its accuracy by comparing with data from international databases,” Mahesh Babu, an electronics engineer with the team, added.
“Working with the PSLV team was a great learning experience for the whole team. Guidance and support from IN-SPACe were also invaluable in this successful venture,” added Rekhesh Mohan. The team also consisted of Margarita Safonova (DST Woman-Scientist) and Jayant Murthy (Visiting Professor).
– global bihari bureau
