QUASAR-PP

Project titel

QUAntum Sensors for Atmospheric Research - Project Preparation

Goal

Preparation of a VLEO satellite mission for the investigation of the lower thermosphere and ionosphere with quantum sensors

Period

2026

Funded by

DLR (Programmdirektion Raumfahrt)

Project lead

DLR-SO

The DLR QUASAR-PP project is working on the first step (Phase 0) for the preparation of a satellite mission to analyse the lower thermosphere and ionosphere. The project is thus addressing needs arising from the rapidly increasing number of satellites and the growing interest in VLEO. QUASAR-PP is aimed at the future development of several important components of the Earth observation system chain.

QUASAR-PP uses the synergy of expertise from various DLR institutes and the Galileo Competence Centre (DLR-GK). The Institute of Solar-Terrestrial Physics (DLR-SO) provides expertise in thermosphere-ionosphere research and modelling. The Institute for Satellite Geodesy and Inertial Sensor Technology (DLR-SI) contributes with its capabilities for improving disturbance force modelling and providing suitable satellite models. The DLR-GK is contributing its expertise in the areas of systems engineering and requirements management to the project. Expertise in analysing the requirements for materials and suitable test strategies is provided by the Material Ageing Group of the Institute of Space Systems (DLR-RY-MTS) with the Complex Irradiation Facility (CIF). The Institute of Quantum Technology (DLR-QT) has the capabilities to develop quantum sensor technology for the mission.

In addition to DLR-SO, the following institutes are involved in the project:

  • DLR-RY
  • DLR-GK
  • DLR-SI
  • DLR-QT

SO will develop the scientific application fields and their science requirements for the VLEO mission based on the state of the art of thermosphere-ionosphere research and its needs. SO will work on the following objectives:

Complete the preliminary list of science cases:

  • Analyse and describe the observational data requirements for thermospheric and ionospheric parameters and orbits for each science case
  • Establish capabilities to derive neutral gas densities from accelerometer measurements
  • Develop the ability to assimilate data into a physical model
  • Literature studies and simulations on the expected observation conditions in VLEO regarding sensitivity, sampling rate etc. for each science case
  • Formulation of the science requirements and documentation in the Mission Requirements Document

SI: During the project, the existing software for disturbance force modelling is to be adapted to VLEOs. In addition, various satellite models will be used to show how the satellite shape influences the expected interference of the satellite by the atmosphere. This allows the satellite design to be effectively evaluated and subsequently used for the preliminary design. SI formulates the requirements for the accelerometer measurements based on the requirements for the required thermospheric density and wind data.

GK: The GK contributes its expertise in the areas of systems engineering, requirements management and orbit simulation to the project. The GK will therefore be involved in requirements elicitation from the outset and will document these accordingly. In the later phases of the project, the overall view of the system with all its special requirements and dependencies will be essential for evaluating the overall system in order to select the appropriate design concept and to be able to design the preliminary technical requirements accordingly


RY-MTS: Spacecraft are exposed to particularly challenging environmental conditions in VLEO. The density of atomic oxygen is significantly higher than for missions in higher orbits and the concentration of nitrogen also increases in low orbits. This environment leads to severe erosion of materials. These requirements for materials and suitable test strategies must be taken into account in the early phases of a project. This expertise is provided by the Material Ageing Group with the Complex Irradiation Facility (CIF).

The QT part relates to a concept study (phase 0) on a payload that measures acceleration to meet QUASAR's requirements in high resolution. If feasible, it should serve as the basis for a phase A, BCD in the further course of the project. After input of the requirements regarding the acceleration metrology performance (in addition to mission duration, launch loads and orbit, frequency range and resolution, if necessary accuracy), concepts for the payload are devised, analysed and compared in terms of feasibility. Baseline and fallback are thus derived in the case. In the first step, a one-dimensional, relative acceleration metrology is assumed. In the case of high required precision combined with high mechanical loads on the payload, suitable AI methods for the optics must be used, which are currently under investigation. Extensions to other axes pose additional challenges.