DebrisSat-2 (DSAT#2, DS2, VBN, RemoveDEBRIS, REMDEB-DS2)

Targets for space debris demonstration mission.

The vision-based navigation (VBN) experiment is shown as follows. In this experiment, the second CubeSat (produced by Surrey Space Centre), DS-2, is ejected by the platform at very low velocity. The VBN camera and Lidar (produced between Airbus DS, CSEM and Inria) then collect data and send it via the platform back to the ground for processing.

In the VBN experiment, the VBN payload on the platform will inspect the VBN CubeSat, DS-2, during a series of manoeuvres at a range of distances and in different light conditions dependent on the orbit.

The CubeSat is a 2U where avionics are inserted throughout the structure and the bottom part of the structure has 4 deployable panels in the shape of a cross. The deployable panels have no specific function except to make the CubeSat look more like a satellite.

The VBN demonstration will thus fulfil the following objectives:

• Demonstrate state-of-the-art image processing and navigation algorithms based on actual flight data, acquired through two different but complementary sensors: a standard camera, and a flash imaging LiDAR.
• Validate a flash imaging LiDAR in flight.
• Provide an on-board processing function in order to support navigation.