Background of the Product Development:
Satellites play a critical role in modern communication, Earth observation, and scientific research. For on-orbit satellites, the optical systems used are of utmost importance in capturing high-quality images and data. However, designing optical systems for space applications is fraught with challenges. Size limitations, the need for a large field of view, and high relative aperture requirements pose significant obstacles for traditional optical designs.
In the past, coaxial systems have been used in satellites but suffer from a restricted field of view, central obscuration, and reduced ideal transfer functions, making them inadequate for capturing comprehensive images of vast areas. On the other hand, off-axis systems, while providing a larger field of view, encounter difficulties related to central obscuration and limitations on relative aperture. The development of an innovative optical system that could overcome these challenges became a crucial goal for advancing satellite imaging capabilities.
Obstacles of General Products:
Traditional optical systems used in satellites face several obstacles that hinder their optimal performance. Coaxial systems, such as the on-axis TMA (Three-Mirror Anastigmat), suffer from limited field of view, large central obscuration, and reduced ideal transfer functions. These limitations result in a compromised imaging performance, especially in scenarios requiring a wide coverage area.
Off-axis optical systems, although capable of offering a larger field of view and reduced central obscuration, also face limitations when trying to achieve a large relative aperture. This limitation affects the system’s light-gathering capability and, consequently, its ability to function effectively in low-light conditions. Furthermore, optimizing off-axis systems for space applications while maintaining a compact design has been a complex challenge.
How F1500 Off-Axis Three-Mirror System Overcame Obstacles:
To overcome the obstacles posed by traditional optical designs, Avantier developed the F1500 Off-Axis Three-Mirror System, a pioneering solution that revolutionizes satellite imaging capabilities. The F1500 system employs an innovative off-axis intermediate imaging three-mirror optical architecture to address the challenges of size limitations, field of view, and relative aperture requirements.
The off-axis design of the F1500 system enables it to maintain a fully symmetrical structure with a concave-convex-concave mirror arrangement. This design effectively corrects axial aberrations and ensures a high-quality, diffraction-limited imaging performance. The F1500 system’s off-axis configuration not only achieves a large field of view but also maintains a short overall length, essential for space applications where size and weight must be minimized.
Learn More: https://avantierinc.com/resources/case-study/on-orbit-satellite-imaging-case-study/
If you are looking for Silicon Carbide Mirrors (SiC Mirrors), find more details:
https://avantierinc.com/solutions/custom-optics/silicon-carbide-mirrors/