Astrophotonics Research Team (ASTRON)
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Team Name
- Astrophotonics Research Team (ASTRON)
ASTRON Leader
- İlgim Efetürk (Izmir Institute of Technology, Photonics)
ASTRON Crew
- Mehtap Atiş (Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Physics)
- Nisa Nur Yener (Gazi University, Photonic)
About the ASTRON
Operating under the umbrella of MoEP, the Astrophotonics Research Team (ASTRON) is a team focused on the development and testing of photonic and optical systems in the field of space science and technology. The team works to develop and test critical technologies for space missions through simulated Mars environments such as the MoEP Analog Mars Station.
ASTRON’s Mission
The mission of the ASTRON team is to advance knowledge and innovative solutions in the field of space science and technology by contributing to the development and testing of photonic and optical systems critical to the success of space missions. To achieve this goal, the team aims to:
- Develop and test advanced optical communication systems that provide high-speed and reliable data communication for space missions,
- Develop and test photonic-based solar energy systems to efficiently harness solar energy on the Moon and Mars surfaces,
- Test and optimize the performance of optical sensors to monitor environmental conditions on the Mars surface,
- Develop and test prototypes of space telescopes and other astrophysics observations,
- Create detailed maps of the Moon and Mars surfaces using laser-based remote sensing and mapping systems,
- Development of rover optical systems and spectrometers,
- Conduct research on optical communication systems for use in MoEP Analog Mars Research Station operations, analog astronaut training, and underwater analog astronaut training,
- Prepare informative publications on astrophotonics and photonics.
ASTRON’s Research Areas
The ASTRON team focuses on the development and testing of photonic and optical systems critical to space missions. The team is actively involved in the following research areas;
- Optical Communication Systems: Research and development on laser-based communication technologies and optical networks for data communication in space missions,
- Harnessing Solar Light: Research and development on photovoltaic cells and advanced battery technologies to efficiently harness solar energy on the Moon and Mars surfaces,
- Optical Sensors: Testing and optimizing the performance of optical sensors to monitor environmental conditions on the Mars surface,
- Astrophysics Observations and Space Telescopes: Developing and testing prototypes of space telescopes and other astrophysics observations,
- Laser Remote Sensing and Mapping: Creating detailed maps of the Mars surface using laser-based remote sensing and mapping systems.
Importance of ASTRON
The work of the ASTRON team holds significant importance in the field of space science and technology. The new photonic and optical systems being worked on by the team are critical to the success of both analog and real space missions. ASTRON’s work aims to contribute to the advancement of space exploration and the discovery of the Moon and Mars.
The ASTRON team is an integral part of MoEP and makes significant contributions to space exploration by advancing knowledge and innovative solutions in the field of space science and technology.