Advanced Russian optics will reduce the cost of creating nanosatellites for Earth observation

Specialists of the Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Koroleva (Samara University) will develop an ultralight optical system designed for installation on small Earth remote sensing satellites (ERS).

The basis of the system is a flat diffraction lens created at Samara University. It replaces a whole range of lenses and mirrors used in modern telephoto lenses.

In the manufacture of a diffractive lens, a resist is applied to the surface of the quartz glass - a photosensitive substance with a thickness of only 10 micrometers. Using it, using a laser beam, a 256-level microrelief is created, which is responsible for the "approximation" of the object.

The system provides for the use of special algorithms based on deep learning neural networks that provide distortion compensation.

The technology allows the creation of tiny optical units for nanosatellites. For example, you can make an analog of a 300 mm lens, which will weigh about 10 grams. The price of such a product will be approximately 500 rubles, which will reduce the total cost of nanosatellites.

In terms of resolution, miniature cameras will be inferior to specialized optics installed on large remote sensing devices. “However, on the basis of low-budget nanosatellites with compact optics, it will be possible to create large-scale orbital constellations of hundreds of such spacecraft, which will allow monitoring the Earth in almost real time,” the Samara University publication says.

It is expected that the development will be tested as part of a small satellite in 2020–2021.

Source: https://3dnews.ru/