Freeform optics for small satellites

Project Summary

Small satellite platforms will play a major role in supporting Defence needs due to their lower cost, compressed launch schedule and lower perceived risk as compared to traditional high cost multi-redundant satellite platforms. This project will contribute to expanding intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by developing bespoke optical components for deployable space telescopes.

The team will prototype and validate durable coatings for freeform optical components using substrates made from polymer and metal additive manufacturing.

By the end of the project, the team will have developed a proof of concept prototype of a mirror for a space telescope, expanding local, sovereign additive manufacturing capabilities.