Environmental qualification and performance of a CubeSat-scale dual optical frequency comb payload for space applications
We report the environmental qualification and performance of CombSat, a dual optical frequency comb payload designed for deployment on a 12U CubeSat in low Earth orbit. The payload integrates two self-referenced, 200 MHz hybrid fiber-waveguide frequency combs, a narrow-linewidth optical reference, a heterodyne beat detection unit, and FPGA-based control electronics in a total mass of 8.3 kg and volume of 5.7 L, and nominal power consumption of 21W. We describe the mechanical, thermal, and radiation-tolerant design features of the system and present the results of random vibration, storage temperature cycling, and thermal-vacuum testing conducted in accordance with NASA's General Environmental Verification Standard. We show that key comb performance metrics including oscillator and amplifier output power, frep, fCEO, and fopt signal-to-noise ratios, and integrated phase noise, remain within specification after environmental exposure, and we discuss observed failure modes and design modifications that improved robustness. These results demonstrate that compact, low power, fully stabilized, autonomous dual-comb systems can be engineered and qualified for spaceflight on CubeSat platforms, providing a path forward for future low-cost comb-based space applications.