Conceptual design of the calibration and data processing modules for the NASA WFIRST-AFTA space telescope

The NASA-WFIRST space-based infrared telescope proposed to be launched in the 2023, will aim to answer two extremely important and outstanding questions related to our understanding of the Universe, namely the nature of Dark Energy, and the presence of other Earth-like planetary systems capable of hosting extraterrestrial life. During my MITACS-Accelerate internship, I will tap into the expertise in space technology of our industrial partner COM DEV Canada Ltd, to research and present a conceptual design for the telescope calibration system, and for the computational system needed to process, distribute and archive the petabytes of ‘big data’ foreseen to be generated during the lifetime of the mission. The design reports generated during my internship will be reviewed by the Canadian Space Agency in July 2015 with the aim of granting further development and construction of these systems to COM DEV and other suitable Canadian experts. These will therefore form significant Canadian contributions to the NASA-WFIRST space mission, and will help maintain Canada’s leading role in space technology and astrophysical research globally.

Faculty Supervisor:

Justin Albert

Student:

Partner:

COM DEV Canada Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: