Chinese 12U Exoplanet CubeSat Satellite

Analyze the physical property, habitability, and search biosignature for the planet Proxima b

The main objectives are to analyze the physical property, habitability, and search biosignature for the planet Proxima b, which is closest to the solar system among exoplanets in the habitable zone.

Initially, the feasible analysis and the innovative optical payload design are presented. The nulling interferometer including two telescopes (or aperture collectors) feeding optical fibers, transmits light to a beam combiner placed at the center of the payload, which effectively counteracts the constant straylight by generating a 180-degree phase shift.

Moreover, an overall design of 12U CubeSat main systems, with the emphasis on structure and attitude determination and control system(ADCS), is presented.

To extend the baseline length and improve the angular resolution, the CubeSat adopts the structure of variable configuration. In the actual flight process, the 12U CubeSat will gradually expand into a linear structure from a wide cuboid. Self-designed high- precision integrated attitude determination system will be used in ADCS, which can achieve measurement accuracy better than 3 arcsec and attitude control accuracy better than 0.003 degrees.

The CubeSat carries a Hydroxylammonium nitrate (HAN) propulsion system (as shown in Fig.4) to maneuver the satellite after its deployment from the rocket. The HAN Thruster uses non-toxic, high-energy liquid HAN as a propellant, which has been successfully applied in orbit.