Craft Prospect¶

Craft Prospect's Logo

Craft Prospect Ltd., based in Glasgow, Scotland, is constructing the VOLT satellite. Their facilities include an Integration lab and workshop, featuring an ISO7 Cleanroom and an ISO5 Laminar flow cabinet, along with dedicated AI simulation and Quantum optics test benches. They boast rapid prototyping capabilities through 3D printing and CNC machining, as well as a thermal ambient chamber and a miniature ESD shaker. Their three primary services are:

• Responsive Operations, which utilizes machine learning to optimize onboard operations;
• Mission Architecture, which aids mission designers in making informed decisions;
• Quantum Technologies, which enhances QKD networks with the use of nanosatellites."

VOLT's Payload¶

A general visualization of the satellites capabilities

Free Space Optical Communications:¶

This payload is poised to enable high data rate downlinks for data heavy Satellite missions. Key features include:

• O3K CCSDS Compatible Communications: Ensuring compatibility with established standards.
• 1550nm Downlink and 1537nm Uplink: Utilizing optical wavelengths for data transfer.
• Reconfigurable FPGA for Optical Comms: Flexibility in adapting to different communication scenarios or protocols.
• Redundant Fixed Pointing Auxiliary Transmitter: Ensuring reliability even in challenging conditions.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD):¶

At the forefront of cybersecurity, this payload boasts advanced encryption capabilities:

• Quantum Random Number Generator: Generating truly random numbers for secure key exchange.
• 785 nm Downlink WCP: Quantum communication channel.
• BB84 with Decoy States: A quantum cryptographic protocol.
• ETSI Key Management: Complying with industry standards.
• AQKDs Service Provided: Offering quantum-safe symmetric key distribution services.

CPL Quantum Source

Earth Observation Sensor Package:¶

Designed for wide-field observation, this payload enhances communication with ground stations:

• 32x Selectable Hyperspectral Bands (VNIR): Capturing highly detailed spectral information, based on current needs.
• Wide Field of View Context Imager w/NN Backend: Analyzing context-rich imagery with astonishing precission.
• Feature Detection & Geolocation Capabilities: Identifying specific features and locations.
• Reconfigurable Optical Processing Chain: Adapting to changing conditions, even after the completion of the build.

Simera xScape100

Processed Hyperspectral Output

High Performance Data Processing Unit:¶

Building on OPS-SAT’s legacy, VOLT aims even higher in computational power:

• AI/ML Algorithms: Enabling onboard machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• Reconfigurable Autonomy Enabling Components: Enhancing autonomous decision-making.
• Ops-Sat Experiment Sandbox: Providing experimentation opportunities.

Beam Steering Unit & Primary Telescope:¶

This payload facilitates precise pointing and communication:

• 80 mm Bespoke Schmidt Cassegrain Telescope: Enabling observation and data collection.
• Fine Pointing System (Accuracy <<5 μrad): Achieving pinpoint accuracy in stabilizing the flight.
• 905nm Downlink Beacon Channel: Supporting communication links.
• Designed for 976nm Uplink Beacon Reference: Coordinating with ground stations.

Entangled Photon Source (In Progress):¶

Volt, one of the pioneering satellites in space, is currently conducting tests to polarize entangled photons. Although there are no immediate plans to utilize this capability for communication purposes, researchers can leverag this opportunity to replicate a diverse array of entangled photons in space!

VOLT’s capabilities promise exciting advancements in space technology - and its not finished yet. Numerous thrilling enhancements will be incorporated throughout the process of augmenting the capabilities.

Click here to download a Powerpoint provided by Craft Prospect Ltd. showcasing the VOLT satellite.