Paper 14145-158
Paper 14145-158
ESA ARIEL FGS: instrument design and implementation
6 July 2026 • 17:30 - 19:00 CEST | Room B4-M3
Abstract
In this paper we present the Fine Guiding System (FGS), one of two scientific instruments on board ESA’s ARIEL mission, scheduled for launch in 2029. ARIEL will study hundreds of exoplanets to characterize their atmospheres, investigate chemical composition, cloud properties, and weather variability. FGS serves a dual purpose: it delivers dedicated scientific measurements through three photometric channels and a low-resolution near-infrared spectrometer, while also supporting the spacecraft with ultra-precise pointing. Following the instrument Critical Design Review (iCDR), the FGS has entered the phase of engineering qualification model integration and flight model preparation, marking a major step toward mission readiness.
Presenter
Mateusz Sobiecki
Space Research Ctr. (Poland)
Mateusz Sobiecki is systems engineer for ARIEL FGS instrument at CBK PAN. He received his M.Sc. in Mechatronics (Photonics) in 2018 at Warsaw University of Technology. He has more than 8 years of professional experience in space engineering. He gained experience in PW-Sat2 students' satellite project in optical, mechanical and AIT activities, later in smaller optomechanical projects at CBK in design and manufacturing phases. From 2019 optomechanical systems engineer in ARIEL FGS instrument.