On the design of BECCAL – a quantum optics experiment aboard the ISS

Abstract

The BECCAL (Bose-Einstein-Condensate – Cold Atom Laboratory) apparatus is a high precision quantum optics experiment which will fly on the International Space Station (ISS). It shall be constructed and operated within a bilateral collaboration between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). As a multi user facility, BECCAL shall satisfy the needs of both the American and German scientific community concerning cold atom physics. Various needs are expressed for the functionalities of the scientific apparatus extended by the requirements for operation of an instrument aboard the ISS. For installation into the dedicated accommodation the complex systems have to be mechanically and thermally designed to meet these requirements. Additionally BECCAL has to fit into the Size Weight and Power (SWaP) budget given by the launcher and the ISS rack. This paper gives a summary of the project BECCAL and its environment. Furthermore, the mechanical design of the system is presented. A preliminary approach for the Thermal Control System (TCS) of BECCAL is pointed out afterwards. The paper closes with a conclusion and an outlook on the future work for BECCAL.