As part of the SOURCE-2 mission of KSat e.V. and the Institute of Space Systems at the University of Stuttgart (IRS), SeeSat e.V. is developing a payload for the in-orbit validation of new technologies: The PÄYLOAD-2.0. This includes a specially manufactured S-band antenna, the central computing unit of the ERWIN mission and experiments on newly developed software algorithms and the measurement of radiation effects in low earth orbit. The aim of the mission is to test and validate application-oriented technologies under real space conditions.

A central component of the payload is the CorePCB, a powerful computing unit based on the Xilinx Ultrascale+ MP-SoC platform, which will serve as a standardized computing platform for future SeeSat e.V. missions. The in-orbit validation tests the power supply, memory architecture and high-speed interfaces under real conditions.

Another key component is the S-band antennadeveloped by SeeSat e.V. itself and manufactured in cooperation with partner companies, which acts as the communication backbone of the payloads within the SOURCE-2 mission. The antenna will be certified according to the relevant ECSS standards as part of the cooperation, which represents an important step towards creating a reliable and cost-effective communication solution for student space missions.

In addition, an algorithm developed by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) is being tested that detects and corrects single event effects (SEEs) in memories in real time. Together with the investigation of beam effects on individual bits in dynamic and static memories, a scientifically sound “minimum spec” for error-correcting procedures (e.g. CRC) can be designed for future missions.

In addition, an Ambient Monitoring Unit (AMU) records the radiation dose and carries out differentiated gamma spectroscopy in order to document the radiation conditions in the Low Earth Orbit more precisely. This data is used to better assess the need for radiation-hard components and to develop economically viable solutions for future space missions.

The knowledge gained can be used to make sound design decisions for hardware and software in the future and further improve the reliability of space systems. In particular, the certification of the S-band antenna according to ECSS standards could provide SeeSat e.V. with space flight heritage for the first time and thus offer a solid, cost-efficient alternative to commercial solutions for other student space clubs.