Iuzzolino, M.M.IuzzolinoAccardo, D.D.AccardoRufino, G.G.RufinoOLIVA, ErnestoErnestoOLIVATOZZI, AndreaAndreaTOZZISCHIPANI, PietroPietroSCHIPANI2020-10-232020-10-2320171424-8220http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12386/27966The search for undiscovered planets outside the solar system is a scientific topic that is rapidly spreading into the astrophysical and engineering communities. In this framework, the design of an innovative payload to detect exoplanets from a nano-sized space platform, like a 3U cubesat, is presented. The selected detection method is photometric transit, and the payload aims to detect flux decrements down to 0.01% with a precision of 12 ppm. The payload design is also aimed at false positive recognition. The solution consists of a four-facets pyramid on the top of the payload, to allow for measurement redundancy and low-resolution spectral dispersion of the star images. The innovative concept is the use of a small and cheap platform for a relevant astronomical mission. The faintest observable target star has V-magnitude equal to 3.38. Despite missions aimed at ultra-precise photometry from microsatellites (e.g., MOST, BRITE), the transit of exoplanets orbiting very bright stars has not yet been surveyed photometrically from space, since any observation from a small/medium sized (30 cm optical aperture) telescope would saturate the detector. This cubesat mission can provide these missing measurements. This work is set up as a demonstrative project to verify the feasibility of the payload concept.ELETTRONICOenArticle10.3390/s170304932-s2.0-85014586673000398818700066https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/17/3/4932017Senso..17..493IFIS/05 - ASTRONOMIA E ASTROFISICA