Laser Ignition System for a Solid Kick Stage for Deep Space Missions

Abstract

The Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS) of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducts a deep space exploration mission named Demonstration and Experiment of Space Technology for INterplanetary voYage with Phaethon fLyby and dUst Science (DESTINY⁺). The mission requires a high-performance, compact solid kick stage with a high mass ratio and high system safety. The kick stage employes a newly developed laser ignition system to meet these requirements. We designed a laser unit for upper stages (LUUS), two types of laser-initiated pyrotechnic devices for solid motor ignition and a separation device actuator (the LID and LCTG) for the kick stage system. Optical fiber paths connecting the LUUS to LID/LCTG enables a continuity check by optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR). We successfully conducted continuity checks with OFDR and ran laser ignition tests to validate the design in simulating assembly- and launchsite operations.