Jean-Christophe Fronteddu, University of Toronto
Jean-Christophe Fronteddu, M.A.Sc., University of Toronto
The cost of quality scientific instruments has limited access to space-based astronomy. The Little UV Camera (LUVCam) project intends to rectify this and make space astronomy more accessible. LUVCam is a low-cost alternative to existing space-qualified cameras without compromising data quality while enabling cutting-edge science. This paper will cover the mechanical and thermal design of the novel UV space telescope, LUVCam. This project is a 0.5U, 287.3 g payload integrated into a 2U spacecraft called GRBBeta. Its structure is constructed of engineered plastic (PEEK) and aluminum alloy 6061-T6 to reduce mass. A clear anodized aluminum plate was used as a radiator to dissipate the heat generated by the image sensor, and a thin copper strap conducts the heat from the image sensor to the radiator. The main supporting components of LUVCam are made of glass fibre-reinforced PEEK, which offers the required stiffness, density, and low thermal conductivity. The optical system comprises a UV filter, three lenses, and a mirror that directs light to the image sensor. The lenses have a diameter of 21 mm, and the clear aperture diameter is 18.23 mm. Detailed thermal modelling showed that LUVCam can be thermally passively controlled following a specific operating procedure to achieve the required sensor temperature of 0 â—¦C. LUVCam was designed, manufactured, assembled and integrated into the spacecraft in less than a year. Following a strict schedule, the design had to provide flexibility and quick turnaround if issues appeared in the later stage of the project. Manufacturing lead time became a significant risk factor, and we had to design our components to allow for fast manufacturing time.
We also utilize multiple paths to reduce time loss due to a manufacturing error. We developed a working camera system by being creative in our solution and using the commercial off-the-shelf component when possible. GRBBeta launched aboard the inaugural flight of Ariane 6 in July of 2024. This mission aims to reach TRL-7 (Technology Readiness Level) with space mission heritage and TVAC testing. Future projects involving LUVCam are already in motion. The camera was tested, and it is currently working in space. Using the telemetry for our different sensors, we want to collaborate the thermal model with the actual radiator and image sensor temperature to improve the model’s accuracy.
Future flight missions are also happening. A significant milestone for the LUVCam project will be its use as the primary scientific payload on the QUVIK mission. QUVIK stands for Quick Ultra-VIolet Kilonova surveyor and is a Czech national mission. It is supposed to launch in 2029. Its primary objective is measuring kilonovae’s UV brightness evolution, resulting from neutron star mergers, to distinguish between different explosion scenarios. It will also provide key follow-up capabilities to increase the discovery potential of gravitational wave observatories and future wide-field multi-wavelength surveys. The QUVIK mission may provide crucial data for hot stars that emit most of their light in the UV and for cool stars, where UV traces their activity. This is important, for instance, for exoplanetary studies because the level of stellar activity influences habitability.