Payload Structural Components

Author: Tanner Oleksiuk

Here is a collection of our payload module components that have been recently manufactured by Rainhouse Canada and the UVic Faculty of Science Machine Shop. We don’t have too much to say about them besides what they are, so enjoy some photos of one-of-kind precision machined components!

Our integrating sphere is an integral component of our payload module. It’s role is to transform the directional light from our lasers into a uniform light source that we can measure and use as an optical reference for telescopes on the ground. The part is built from two hemispheres, with the front side having cutouts for our lasers and photodiodes, as well as the output aperture for the light. Eventually, the interior of the integrating sphere will be coated in a white diffuse reflective coating (Avian-B), but for right now the bare aluminum shows off the smooth surface finish required for this part.

The photodiodes which are used to measure the light intensity within the integrating sphere are mounted onto the outside of the sphere as seen in the above render. The photodiode itself is seated in a shielded assembly which keeps the photodiodes secure and provides protection from electromagnetic interference. On top of this, the assembly helps to prevent light leakage back through the port of the photodiode. As seen in the following photos, the parts that make up the mount assembly fit together great and fit nicely onto the integrating sphere!