Design of the Focal Plane Assembly for the Scientific Payload of the Small Satellite Mission “AsteroidFinder/SSB”

Abstract

This paper gives a summary on the current status of the system concept and design of the focal plane assembly of AsteroidFinder/SSB, a small satellite mission which is currently under development at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). An athermal design concept has been developed in accordance to the requirements of the instrument and spacecraft. Key aspects leading to this approach have been a trade-off study of the mechanical telescope interface, the definition of electrical and thermal interfaces and a material selection which minimizes thermally-induced stresses. A thermo-mechanical analysis of the proposed concept using finite elements illustrates the steady-state temperature distribution and the resulting stress and strain within the assembly for various load cases.