Key Takeaways: Thermal management in space optics Thermal management in space optics ensures stable performance across the wide thermal variations typical of orbital environments—using passive techniques like matched-CTE materials, athermal optical design, and radiative shielding. These strategies prevent focus shift, wavefront distortion, and mechanical misalignment without adding mass or complexity. From CubeSats to deep space […]
Key Takeaways Meeting strict wavefront error (WFE) budgets is critical for space telescope optics, ensuring nanometer-level imaging accuracy and mission reliability. This article details practical strategies for managing WFE contributions from surface figure, alignment, coatings, and thermal effects. Advanced metrology techniques, such as phase-shifting interferometry and stitching profilometry, support precise wavefront measurement. By integrating custom […]
Key Takeaways Optical sensors for ADCS—including star trackers, sun sensors, and Earth horizon sensors—provide the high-precision attitude knowledge required for CubeSats and small satellite platforms. Avantier delivers space-qualified optical components engineered for SWaP-constrained missions, offering compact, radiation-hardened systems that maintain performance under vibration, thermal cycling, and radiation exposure. Miniaturized, athermally stabilized optics and lightweight optical […]
Wide Field Space Imaging Project Overview Meeting the growing demand for large-area Earth observation requires optical systems that combine wide field of view, high optical performance, and compact design. One such solution is a space camera optical system based on an off-axis four-mirror freeform design, achieving a 70° ultra-wide field of view from a 640 […]
Key Takeaways Satellite telescope coatings must support wide spectral ranges (UV to LWIR) while enduring radiation, AO exposure, and thermal cycles. AR coatings for lenses and windows require high transmittance, environmental resistance, and minimal outgassing. Gold and silver reflective coatings are essential for high-efficiency IR mirrors in thermal imaging telescopes. AO-resistant layers like ALD-deposited Al₂O₃ […]
Key Takeaways Design optimizations enhanced telescope manufacturability and performance. Replacing the optical tube with carbon fiber reduced weight and improved thermal stability. A redesigned secondary mirror mount with locating pins and adhesive injection holes ensured precise, long-term alignment. Adding shims and positioning pins between the primary mirror and tube enabled fine-tuned alignment and post-assembly stability. […]
Key Takeaways Space-based telescopes are evolving rapidly, with growing demand for compact, high-performance optical systems. Freeform optics enable miniaturized designs, while SiC mirrors offer stability and low mass for harsh space environments. Lightweight structures are essential for both CubeSat payloads in LEO and large observatories in deep space. Across mission sizes, the trend is clear: […]
Key Takeaways Advanced wavefront sensors are fundamental to high-precision optical metrology and control across fields such as ophthalmology, semiconductor inspection, astronomy, and emerging space and laser systems. Their performance depends on refined optical design—particularly custom microlens arrays, coatings, and detectors that enhance accuracy, sensitivity, and dynamic range. This article explores how tailored optics and adaptive […]
Key Takeaways: The integrity of any optical system designed for space, defense, or high-energy applications hinges entirely on selecting the right durable optical materials. For engineers in telescope manufacturing and satellite payload design, the challenge is twofold: achieving dimensional stability using thermally stable substrates against extreme thermal cycling, and maintaining clarity via radiation-hardened coatings under […]
Key Takeaways This article details optical system design for wide spectrum star trackers, vital for spacecraft attitude determination. It covers reflective, catadioptric, and transmissive types, highlighting their benefits for space applications. A compact, athermalized f/2.8 star tracker lens design example for 450-1000nm is presented, optimized for 2048×2048 sensors, ensuring stable, high-performance star identification across extreme […]
