A project led by the University of South Australia (UniSA) is researching free-form mirror optics for the camera payloads of earth observation satellites. With the help of 3D printing and downstream processing steps, the aim is to achieve larger fields of view in smaller installation spaces.
As the iLAuNCH Trailblazer program explains, the optical systems of today’s satellites are limited by manufacturing constraints. Traditional spherical mirrors only allow narrow image strips. Free-form optics, on the other hand, can image significantly more complex geometries thanks to additive processes.
According to UniSA researcher Dr. Kamil Zuber, the project is developing an optical surface polish for 3D-printed substrates. Sub-partners such as the Australian companies VPG Innovation and SMR Australia are also contributing manufacturing expertise for the subsequent series production of the optics.
In the future, the free-form optics could be used in nanosatellites for improved camera systems, for example. This could increase the earth observation capacity of low-cost small satellites. The project is being funded as part of the government’s “iLAuNCH Trailblazer” program.
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