Project number
26076
Organization
Raytheon Technologies
Offering
ENGR498-F2025-S2026
Design and integrate a modular telescope subsystem combining COTS optics with custom fabricated subsystems for automated tracking, imaging, power management, data processing, and wireless telemetry to enable fully autonomous celestial observation and analysis. The student team will be responsible to develop as much of the needed capability organically and only rely on COTS to a minimal extent.
ASTRA (Autonomous Sky Tracking & Reconnaissance Apparatus) is intended to be a fully integrated optical telescope designed for precise, hands-free observation of celestial targets. The design centers on a COTS telescope as the primary optical element. All other subsystems, including pan-tilt actuation, power delivery, imaging integration, and wireless telemetry, are expected to be developed from individual components or custom, student fabricated modules. At its core, ASTRA is focused on high quality astrophotography and the ability to identify celestial objects, capture clear images of space, and utilize on board algorithms to analyze and post process images. The system shall include automated tracking, motorized optical zoom, dynamic focusing, active light filtering, and self-calibration using celestial reference points. Additionally, the ASTRA system shall support simultaneous viewing with naked-eye and camera-based viewing, allowing both direct visual observation and real time digital imaging. The system shall utilize a GUI in conjunction with visual data, collected from the on-board camera system, to enable seamless remote operation
ASTRA (Autonomous Sky Tracking & Reconnaissance Apparatus) is intended to be a fully integrated optical telescope designed for precise, hands-free observation of celestial targets. The design centers on a COTS telescope as the primary optical element. All other subsystems, including pan-tilt actuation, power delivery, imaging integration, and wireless telemetry, are expected to be developed from individual components or custom, student fabricated modules. At its core, ASTRA is focused on high quality astrophotography and the ability to identify celestial objects, capture clear images of space, and utilize on board algorithms to analyze and post process images. The system shall include automated tracking, motorized optical zoom, dynamic focusing, active light filtering, and self-calibration using celestial reference points. Additionally, the ASTRA system shall support simultaneous viewing with naked-eye and camera-based viewing, allowing both direct visual observation and real time digital imaging. The system shall utilize a GUI in conjunction with visual data, collected from the on-board camera system, to enable seamless remote operation