Spacecraft

NEBULA Xplorer satellite

Explore the NEBULA Xplorer satellite in 3D. Rotate the spacecraft, zoom in, and select a component to discover where it is located and what it does.

Components

01, X-Ray Instrument2 items inside
Sending a telescope to space means engineering for the impossible: it has to survive a rocket launch, then operate flawlessly in a vacuum where temperatures swing by hundreds of degrees. NEBULA-Xplorer's X-ray instrument is suspended on three precision titanium mounts that isolate it from shock and temperature change, anchored to a reinforced panel, and oriented to use every centimeter of space inside the rocket fairing.
1. 01, Instrument components7 items inside
  Select a part to see where it sits inside the X-ray instrument. The outer panels are hidden so you can look inside.
  
  01, Detector modules
  
  The sensors turn arriving X-rays into electrical signals. The FPM and FPCM modules in this model contain the sensors and their immediate mechanical and thermal parts.
  
  02, Baffles
  
  These tubes restrict the detectors' field of view and help block unwanted radiation arriving from the side. They are named Science baffle in the CAD model.
  
  03, Readout electronics
  
  The preamplifiers process the sensors' small electrical signals for further readout. This group includes the PA210 preamplifiers, PA-230 connections and their housings.
  
  04, Calibration
  
  The calibration parts help check the detector's response using a reference source. Here you can explore the calibration tubes and associated parts of the FPCM modules.
  
  05, Optical bench and frame
  
  The optical bench, ribs and side panels form the instrument's supporting structure. In the inside view the exterior panels are hidden so you can inspect the parts within.
  
  06, Mounts
  
  The rods, feet and fittings connect the instrument to its supporting assembly. Select them to see where these mechanical connections sit.
  
  07, Support panel
  
  The large sandwich panel behind the instrument provides the mechanical base for its mounts. Orbit around it to inspect its connections to the frame.
2. 02, Optics2 items inside
  Two ways to look at the X-ray optics: an illustrative schematic of the radiation path and the supplied CAD parts.
  
  01, Mirror and X-ray path6 items inside
  
  Parallel X-rays reflect twice at shallow angles: first on the primary mirror, then on the secondary mirror. They converge on the detector. A tube helps block stray light.
  
  Schematic cutaway; dimensions and angles are illustrative. Yellow lines represent the radiation path, not visible light.
  
  01, Primary mirror
  
  The first shallow-angle reflection redirects incoming X-rays toward the secondary mirror.
  
  02, Secondary mirror
  
  The second reflection directs the X-rays toward the focal plane.
  
  03, Stray-light tube
  
  This tube helps block light entering from the side before the X-rays reach the detector.
  
  04, FPM / detector
  
  The focal-plane module contains the detector at the focused X-ray position.
  
  05, FPCM / camera module
  
  The focal-plane camera module supports the detector assembly. The schematic shows an illustrative housing; the individual CAD parts show the supplied CAD model.
  
  06, X-ray path
  
  Yellow lines illustrate incoming rays, two reflections and the focal plane. This is a schematic, not visible light.
  
  02, Individual CAD parts4 items inside
  
  CAD parts are shown individually with source colors. The supplied concentrator files describe the June 2026 test configuration; mandrels are manufacturing tools.
  
  01, Primary mirror
  
  The supplied CAD model of the primary concentrator structure, shown with its source colors.
  
  02, Secondary mirror
  
  The supplied CAD model of the secondary concentrator structure, shown with its source colors.
  
  03, FPM / detector
  
  The supplied CAD model of the Focal Plane Module (FPM), shown with its source colors.
  
  04, FPCM / camera module
  
  The supplied CAD model of the Focal Plane Calibration Module (FPCM), shown with its source colors.
02, Star Tracker Module

To observe a faint X-ray source hundreds of light-years away, NEBULA-Xplorer needs to hold its aim with extraordinary precision. Star trackers continuously scan the sky, recognize patterns of stars, and determine the spacecraft's orientation down to a few arcseconds. Two units ensure constant visibility of stars even during rotation.
03, Dawn 4U CubeDrive

The propulsion system counters atmospheric drag, performs collision avoidance, and enables controlled reentry. This compact thruster unit carries under two kilograms of propellant and is precisely aligned to ensure stable, accurate maneuvers throughout the mission.
04, S-Band Antenna

The S-band antenna enables communication with Earth during brief contact windows. It transmits gigabytes of scientific data over large distances in minutes, ensuring valuable observations reach ground stations.
05, Sun Sensor

Sun sensors provide basic orientation by detecting the Sun's position. They are crucial during emergencies or initial deployment, helping the spacecraft maintain power and avoid dangerous pointing scenarios.

This close-up shows one of the four Bison64 sun sensors. All four sensors are highlighted.
06, Magnetorquers

These external devices generate magnetic torque to control the satellite's orientation and desaturate reaction wheels. By interacting with Earth's magnetic field, they provide efficient three-axis attitude control without the complexity of thrusters.
07, Solar Panel

These panels convert sunlight into electricity to power the satellite's systems and instruments. Positioned to capture maximum sunlight, they support continuous operation when combined with onboard energy storage during eclipse.

About the mission

This student-driven mission combines innovation with academic and industry expertise. Its high time resolution and continuous observations reveal how matter behaves, how jets form, and how these systems evolve.