In the rapidly evolving landscape of space exploration, CubeSats have emerged as pivotal players, enabling cost-effective trail to conduct scientific research and technological experiments. Their compact size and relatively low-cost invaded access to space, enabling a wide range of applications previously reserved for larger, more expensive satellites. Despite their numerous advantages, CubeSats face inherent limitations, particularly in the realm of imaging capabilities. Due to their small form factor, CubeSat payloads often struggle with efficiency issues compared to their larger counterparts. One of the key challenges with CubeSat imaging telescopes lies in striking a balance between performance and size. Yet, innovation continues to produce progress, and one promising avenue for overcoming these constraints is the integration of freeform technology into the design of imaging telescopes. Freeform technology represents a paradigm shift in optical design, allowing for the creation of non-traditional surface shapes that optimize performance while minimizing volume. By exploiting the flexibility afforded by freeform surfaces, it is possible to design compact imaging systems that deliver enhanced capabilities within the units of a CubeSat. Several studies have underscored the transformative potential of freeform technology in reducing the volume of optical systems without compromising their performance. These findings, highlight the feasibility of leveraging freeform surfaces to revolutionize CubeSat imaging capabilities, paving the way for a new era of space exploration. In this article, the exciting frontier of freeform technology applied to CubeSat imaging telescopes is explored. The integration of freeform surfaces will be investigated through a comparative analysis of different telescope configurations. Factors such as volume efficiency, optical performance, and overall feasibility will be carefully evaluated to determine the most promising path forward.
Using freeform optics for CubeSat optical layout: comparison between different telescopes architectures
Doria C.;Naletto G.;
2025
Abstract
In the rapidly evolving landscape of space exploration, CubeSats have emerged as pivotal players, enabling cost-effective trail to conduct scientific research and technological experiments. Their compact size and relatively low-cost invaded access to space, enabling a wide range of applications previously reserved for larger, more expensive satellites. Despite their numerous advantages, CubeSats face inherent limitations, particularly in the realm of imaging capabilities. Due to their small form factor, CubeSat payloads often struggle with efficiency issues compared to their larger counterparts. One of the key challenges with CubeSat imaging telescopes lies in striking a balance between performance and size. Yet, innovation continues to produce progress, and one promising avenue for overcoming these constraints is the integration of freeform technology into the design of imaging telescopes. Freeform technology represents a paradigm shift in optical design, allowing for the creation of non-traditional surface shapes that optimize performance while minimizing volume. By exploiting the flexibility afforded by freeform surfaces, it is possible to design compact imaging systems that deliver enhanced capabilities within the units of a CubeSat. Several studies have underscored the transformative potential of freeform technology in reducing the volume of optical systems without compromising their performance. These findings, highlight the feasibility of leveraging freeform surfaces to revolutionize CubeSat imaging capabilities, paving the way for a new era of space exploration. In this article, the exciting frontier of freeform technology applied to CubeSat imaging telescopes is explored. The integration of freeform surfaces will be investigated through a comparative analysis of different telescope configurations. Factors such as volume efficiency, optical performance, and overall feasibility will be carefully evaluated to determine the most promising path forward.
Pubblicazioni consigliate
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
