QUEEN

Project Facts

Project Name	QUEEN – Phase C/D: Development of a small satellite bus for an optical clock
Project Duration	01.04.2020 - 31.03.2024
Funding number	I. QUEEN: DLR FKZ 50 WM 1754
	II. QUEEN-Phase B: DLR FKZ 50 RU 1801
	III. QUEEN-Phase C/D: DLR FKZ 50 RU 2120

Sub-projects

QUEEN – QUantentechnologien für den Einsatz auf Einem Nanosatelliten
QUEEN-Phase B: QUantentechnologien für den Einsatz auf Einem Nanosatelliten – Phase B
QUEEN-Phase C/D: Development of a small satellite bus for an optical clock

Partners

The project is carried out in cooperation with the following partners:

Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik (FBH)

Funding & Acknowledge

Supported by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) - Space Management Division with funds from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy

CAD model of the QUEEN satellite. Copyright: Julius Leglise

Project Description

Within the cooperation project QUEEN (QUantentechnologie für den Einsatz auf Einem Nanosatelliten), the Technische Universität Berlin (TUB) and the Ferdinand-Braun-Institut, Leibniz-Institut für Höchstfrequenztechnik (FBH) are analysing optical quantum technologies regarding their usability in space within a nanosatellite mission.

Regarding the payload, the focus is on microintegrated diode laser systems as well as electro-optical components as part of optical frequency reference units. Another objective is the analysis and definition of a nanosatellite platform to support the application of these technologies in space.

Such quantum technologies offer the potential of improved SWaP budgets and could therefore help to reduce size and cost of future space missions by replacing currently applied technologies.

QUEEN is part of the TUBiX20 satellite family from the TU Berlin. The TUBiX20 satellite platform developed in 2019 was first implemented on the TechnoSat satellite. The focus here is on modularity and scalability of the system. Small satellites with a wide variety of payloads have been and will continue to be integrated on the TUBiX20 satellite bus.

In addition to TechnoSat as a technology demonstration of various payloads, TUBIN showed the detection of high-temperature events via microbolometers from Low Earth Orbit. QUICK³ is the first to investigate quantum theories in zero gravity on a satellite platform developed by the Chair of Space Technology.