Tsinghua Kexue Weixing (TKW, Q-Sat)

Tsinghua Kexue Weixing [Tsinghua University]

Tsinghua University's TKW (Tsinghua Kexue Weixing) or Q-Sat is a small satellite dedicated to the measurement of the density of the upper atmosphere and the earth's gravity field.

The satellite can obtain centimeter-level precision orbit determination data, achieve high-precision atmospheric density and gravity field measurement. TKW features a spherical structure with spherical solar arrays. The satellite's power supply system uses a graphene battery power supply based on commercial devices. The satellite carries a spaceborne high-dynamic dual-frequency GNSS receiver based on commercial devices as a mission payload, which can support multiple functions such as navigation, precise orbit determination, and differential positioning. In addition, the satellite also has in-orbit intelligent processing capabilities, which can realize in-orbit intelligent mission planning and attitude calculation based on embedded GPU. The combination of this technology and the panoramic camera has opened up a new platform for space science education and the promotion of public understanding of space.