Developments in active optics for space instruments: An ESA perspective

Year: 2016

Authors: Hallibert P., Zuccaro Marchi A.

Autors Affiliation: ESA/ESTEC, Keplerlaan 1, Noordwijk, NL-2200 AG, Netherlands

Abstract: An increasing need for higher resolution for both Science and Earth Observation applications demands a bigger entrance aperture of future optical payloads, leading to large primary mirrors, either monolithic or deployable. Correcting issues linked to manufacturing, integration, launch and use of large light-weighted optics (and associated structures), Active Optics constitutes an enabling technology for future large space instruments. This paper presents the current status of technological developments at ESA in this very promising field.

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KeyWords: Optical engineering, Active Optics; Earth observations; Enabling technologies; Entrance apertures; Higher resolution; nocv1; Optical payloads; Space; Technological development, Telescopes
DOI: 10.1117/12.2232096