Key Takeaways
- The Silicon Carbide Mirror for Aerospace Imaging Systems' lightweight design, thermal stability, and high reflectance provides optimized performance in harsh environments.
- With exact dimensions (±0.1 mm) and excellent surface precision (RMSI < 16 nm), the mirror helps produce clear, distortion-free imaging for satellite and deep-space applications.
- Its robust protective coating (>95 % reflectance) withstands extreme conditions.
- During space mission testing, the mirror improved imaging precision, reduced mission weight by 15 %, and demonstrated outstanding reliability over two years of operation.
Project Overview
The Silicon Carbide Mirror was designed to match the rigorous demands of aerospace engineering. It provides outstanding performance in extreme environments, with its lightweight structure and superior optical characteristics establishing it as a crucial element in space exploration and satellite imaging platforms.
Satellite imaging systems. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Key Challenges Addressed
- Robustness in Extreme Conditions: A protective silver coating delivers high reflectivity (>95 %) over a wide wavelength range (400-12,000 nm), while protecting the mirror from corrosion and mechanical damage in harsh settings.
- Thermal Stability: Aerospace conditions require materials with minimal thermal expansion. Silicon carbide’s exceptional thermal conductivity and low expansion make it well-suited for high-temperature and vacuum environments.
- Precision Optics: Tight dimensional tolerance (±0.1 mm) and superior surface precision (RMSI < 16 nm) ensure optimal imaging performance, even during rigorous space missions.
Cutting-Edge Design Features
- Compact Dimensions: Measuring 379 mm x 260 mm x 85 mm, the mirror balances size and performance, making it ideal for tight payload constraints.
- High Reflectance Coating: The coating enhances performance for wavelengths critical to infrared and visible spectroscopy in aerospace applications.
- Sophisticated Material Composition: Silicon carbide combines lightweight properties with durable mechanical strength, improving reliability during launch and in-orbit operation.
Silicon Carbide Mirror for Space Application. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Source: Avantier Inc..
| |
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| Material |
Silicon Carbide |
| Dimensions |
Length: 379 mm, Width: 260 mm, Thickness: 85 mm |
| Dimension Tolerance |
±0.1 mm |
| Clear Aperture |
90% |
| Surface Quality |
80-50 |
| Surface Accuracy |
RMSI < 16 nm |
| Coating |
Protective Ag |
| Reflectance (Rabs) |
>95% @ 400-12,000 nm |
| Angle of Incidence (AOI) |
0 – 4.5° |
Application Highlights
- Astronomical Observations: Its accuracy and high reflectivity are essential for the detection of faint celestial objects in deep-space telescopes.
- Satellite Imaging: High surface quality (80-50) and precision ensure clear, distortion-free images crucial for Earth observation and mapping.
- Lidar and Laser Systems: Consistent performance at multiple angles of incidence (0-4.5 °) makes the mirror ideal for space-based Lidar systems.
Performance Metrics
The mirror’s capabilities were tested in a recent space mission:
- It delivered clear imagery with minimal distortion during temperature fluctuations ranging from -50 °C to +60 °C.
- Maintained reflectance levels over 95 % across a two-year period.
- Successfully integrated into the payload, reducing total mission weight by 15 % compared to traditional mirrors.
Customer Impact
Adoption of the Silicon Carbide Mirror has enabled:
- Improved imaging precision, contributing to important climate research data collection.
- Increased cost-efficiency in mission planning because of its extended material lifespan and lowered maintenance requirements.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Avantier Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Avantier Inc.