ARGO 1.0 multicamera star tracker
ARGO 1.0 is a Multicamera Star Tracker (flight heritage since 2021) specifically designed for SmallSats, able to autonomously determine the spacecraft attitude, rate, acceleration and derivative of the acceleration.
The core element of ARGO 1.0 Star Tracker is the Smart Camera, composed by FPA and main electronics, with integrated processing capabilities, which includes the custom-designed optics.
The smart camera can be declined in different architectures, according to the user’s needs or accommodation constraints, thanks to the presence of different interfaces.
The ARGO 1.0 Cameras are equipped with RS422, SpaceWire and CANBus I/F (redundant), so they can be easily connected among them and to the AOCS OBC without the need of an external electronic box.
RS422-based Multi-camera
CANBus-based Multi-camera
In case a single power line is available at S/C level, an alternative architecture can be provided, based on the presence of a Router and Power Control Unit (RPCU).
The RPCU (flight heritage since 2021) performs data routing among cameras and power distribution provides the data interface between the satellites and the cameras, and works as both communication controller and reconfiguration module.
2017 ____ 2018
ARGO 1.0 Engineering Model Extensive Test campaign
ARGO 1.0
Protoflight Model
An extensive laboratory tests including test benches and facilities developed by EICAS, aiming at on-ground camera setting and calibration purpose. Night sky sessions were also performed in order to validate the flight SW.
2019 ____ 2020
ARGO 1.0
Qualification Campaign
A qualification model was manufactured and used for the environmental test campaign (that is cycling in thermal-vacuum and mechanical tests, such a vibration and shock tests
ARGO 1.0
Flight Model is ready
On January 2020, the flight model was available: 3 smart cameras were manufactured as well 1 RPCU.
November 2020
ARGO 1.0 Flight Model integrated into ION mk02 (Laurentius – Pulse Mission)
On November 2020, the integration of 1 smart camera and 1 RPCU were successfully concluded.
24 January 2021
LIFT-OFF!
The way to space is open
ARGO 1.0 was launched in orbit on 24th January 2021 from Cape Canaveral.
of ARGO 1.0
A wide IOD was conducted for May 2021 to July 2022. The main features validated in orbit were:
- Pattern Recognition
- Tracking Mode and accuracy
- Robustness to straylight
- Moon and Earth in FOV
- In orbit calibration