Optical System for the Earth Remote Sensing Small-Sized Spacecraft of the CubeSat Format

Abstract

The paper considers relevance of creating the small-sized high-resolution optical systems for the small spacecraft. It describes the current state of domestic and foreign systems engaged in the Earth remote sensing of the CubeSat format that confirmed the need to develop domestic multi-component satellite constellations. Unlike the large-sized spacecraft, the CubeSat standard implies introduction of the micro-format satellites. In order to reduce overall dimensions of the system and minimize the chromatic aberrations effect on the image quality in selecting the optical scheme components, mirrors are preferred, as a rule. Among all possible design schemes, the Ritchey --- Chretien optical scheme is the most promising due to its simplicity, small overall dimensions and high optical performance in a wide spectral range for the CubeSat satellites. Main optical and technical parameters, as well as the optical system characteristics for a small spacecraft are provided. For typical systems, the paper proposes a calculation technique; and a simulation model was created making it possible to assess the optical system image quality. The root-mean-square value of the point scatter spot radius in the image plane was taken as the criterion in evaluating the image quality. It is shown that the Ritchey --- Chretien optical scheme and its elements are characterized by its relative easiness in implementation due to using the studied technologies of the lens and mirror elements manufacture and ensuring high image quality and required overall dimensions, which makes it possible to use them in creating a multi-component satellite constellation

Please cite this article in English as:

Zavarzin V.I., Zaytsev I.M., Yakubovskiy S.V. Optical system for the Earth remote sensing small-sized spacecraft of the CubeSat format. Herald of the Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Series Instrument Engineering, 2023, no. 3 (144), pp. 18--32 (in Russ.). DOI: https://doi.org/10.18698/0236-3933-2023-3-18-32

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