Case Study: Breakthrough in Satellite Imaging Technology
Overview
In the realm of modern communication, Earth observation, and scientific research, satellites play an indispensable role. The optical systems utilized in on-orbit satellites are paramount for capturing high-quality images and data. However, designing optical systems for space applications presents numerous challenges, including size constraints, the necessity for a large field of view, and demanding relative aperture requirements that traditional optical designs struggle to address.
Historically, coaxial systems were employed in satellites, but they faced limitations such as a restricted field of view, central obscuration, and diminished ideal transfer functions, rendering them inadequate for capturing comprehensive images of expansive areas. Conversely, off-axis systems, while offering a larger field of view, encountered challenges related to central obscuration and constraints on relative aperture. The imperative to develop an innovative optical system that could surmount these challenges became a pivotal goal in advancing satellite imaging capabilities.