Our 2U SerenSat CubeSat is being developed in Wales for deployment into a 720km polar orbit in Q2 of 2027. SerenSat is equipped with a miniaturised Cherenkov detector, silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), and an onboard AI-driven data analysis unit. These cutting-edge instruments are designed to detect and localise neutrino emissions from astrophysical sources.
The data collected will contribute to our understanding of high-energy cosmic events, such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and solar processes. SerenSat’s innovative directional detection capabilities will aid in triangulating neutrino origins, enhancing global efforts in multi-messenger astronomy. By sharing real-time data with Earth-based observatories, SerenSat will play a key role in unlocking the mysteries of the universe and advancing the study of fundamental physics.
CubeSat: Infinity Space NextStar 2U Chassis
Payload Volume: 1.2U
Payload Average Power: 850mW
Peak Power Generation: 3W
Primary Payload: Miniaturised Cherenkov Detector
Secondary Payload: Silicon Photomultipliers
Tertiary Payload: Onboard AI Processing Unit for Signal Analysis
Antenna: 437 MHz UHF dipole antenna
Data Storage: 256 Mb NOR Flash
Payload Data Downlink: 5.2Mb/s (UHF)
What sets SerenSat apart is its ability to pinpoint the origins of high-energy neutrinos and provide global insights into cosmic phenomena, such as supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and solar processes. As a cutting-edge tool in astrophysical research, SerenSat is designed to integrate seamlessly with ground-based observatories, sharing crucial data and enabling a collaborative approach to understanding the universe.
System overview: Single 5V DC input with low noise 3.3V and 4.2V rails
UART Systems interface: Transmit power consumption: 5.12 W and receive power consumption 0.24 W
Communication Parameters: 25 kHz bandwidth
Payload Data Downlink: 5.2Mb/s (UHF)
AES-128 uplink: AES-128 encrypted downlink
The payload data downlink capability reaches 5.2 Mb/s through UHF, demonstrating high-speed and efficient communication capabilities. Additionally, the system incorporates an AES-128 encryption for uplink data, reinforcing security measures and safeguarding sensitive information during downlink transmission.
Our cutting-edge OVM StarTracker module delivers low-cost, power-efficient attitude and angular velocity determination for CubeSats. Designed for our SerenSat mission, it ensures precise orientation in the challenging environment of space. This innovation paves the way for affordable and reliable satellite navigation.
By supporting scientific collaboration and fostering the development of advanced instruments, SerenSat contributes significantly to the ongoing search for answers to some of humanity’s biggest questions—about the nature of the universe, dark matter, and the fundamental forces that govern the cosmos.
The system is equipped with a Texas Instruments TMS570 microcontroller, ensuring robust processing capabilities. Its external memory features a 128 Mb NOR flash, providing ample storage for efficient data handling. The file uplink and downlink protocol are facilitated through the CCSDS File Delivery Protocol, promoting seamless communication. A bootloader is incorporated, enabling over-the-air firmware updates using the CFDP protocol. The non-volatile configuration table is capable of storing up to three tables in MRAM, ensuring persistent and reliable data retention. Operating on FreeRTOS v10, the system benefits from a reliable real-time operating system. Additionally, an integrated NovAtel OEM719 GNSS receiver enhances the system's navigational capabilities.
To streamline data collection and make real-time scientific decisions, SerenSat features an advanced AI-driven processing unit onboard. This allows the CubeSat to independently analyse the incoming data and prioritise the most critical signals related to cosmic phenomena. The onboard processing enables immediate detection and classification of high-energy neutrinos and other significant space events without needing to wait for data to be downlinked to Earth. This technology makes SerenSat highly responsive, enhancing its scientific value by processing large volumes of data on-the-fly.
Day Time Efficiency: 87% average
Night Time Efficiency: 70% average
Power Distribution Voltage Accuracy: ±3%
Short Circuit Protection: Latch Off, under 5us
Transient Recovery Time: 150us
Deployment Timer: 30 minute deployment timer
Requirements for Lithium-ion Batteries Applicable to CubeSats & Small Satellites on the Vega Launch Vehicle
The mission will also aim to map the locations of energetic astrophysical events, such as gamma-ray bursts and supernovae. By detecting the particles emitted from these extreme cosmic processes, SerenSat will help unravel the physics behind star formation, the life cycles of galaxies, and even the behaviour of black holes.
SerenSat contributes not only to the detection of high-energy neutrinos but also to the development and validation of next-generation space instrumentation. The technology and innovations featured on the CubeSat will lay the groundwork for scaling similar instruments to larger missions and provide blueprints for future space telescopes and particle detectors.
SerenSat's contributions go beyond the detection of high-energy neutrinos. It serves as a stepping stone for future collaboration in the field of astrophysics. By linking data from SerenSat’s neutrino detections with ground-based observatories, space missions, and cutting-edge computing platforms, SerenSat fosters a collaborative, global effort that pushes the frontiers of multi-messenger astronomy.
