Space-Based
Astrophysics

There's a saying in space-tech that nothing launches until it's already obsolete:

  • Modern technology

  • Timely deployment

  • Operation in space

Pick two.

We have an ambitious vision

for a future in which the cutting-edge in superconducting sensor technology can be rapidly deployed in space, propelling astrophysics into a new era of precision measurements.

And we're not alone.

Canada, Europe, the US, and Japan have all targeted aggressive 10-year development plans for a diverse set of instruments that baseline large arrays of superconducting Transition Edge Sensors (TES), microwave multiplexing, and Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs).

These aggressive targets will be met using readout electronics that enable instrument design, rather than playing catch-up to it. Higher multiplexing reduces the cost and complexity of cryogenic hardware; while improved signal processing and novel firmware modes relax sub-system requirements.

The path forward requires a tight coupling between ground-based technology development and space-qualified implementation, and an even tighter coupling between technology and mission development.

Our team uniquely positions t0.technology at this nexus, with world-experts in ground-based readout development; successful space qualification campaigns; systems-level mission development; and active international collaboration.

 
 

The Future…

  • with signal processing and scalable designs that de-risk and simplify detector sub-systems, allowing us to dream big.

  • with modern technology woven into high-reliability systems through firmware and systems-level redundancy. In parallel, COTS parts are strategically promoted through component-level qualification campaigns.

  • with space technology development drawing from current ground-based deployments in real-time, qualifying core components in anticipation of the future need, not in response to it.

  • by maturing the critical technology elements early and participating closely in mission development, we ensure a modular core design that can adapt to mission requirement changes — without jeopardizing technology readiness level (TRL), or requiring costly re-design efforts.

  • with radiation-tolerant design and redundancy models that benefit from the large array size, rather than being challenged by it.

  • a common set of requirements unite a large set of superconducting sensor applications. By designing to the ensemble of those requirements, we produce robust solutions and broadly applicable hardware, ready to be used for X-ray, ultraviolet, optical, infrared, or microwave instruments implemented with TES, microwave multiplexing, or MKID technologies.