Planar Imager
Abstract
The Planar Imager program evaluated the feasibility of a lightweight, compact, affordable optical payload to be integrated into a ride-share compatible satellite bus with equivalent imaging performance of current commercial conventional optical imaging satellites. This technology has the potential to significantly lower the size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) of high-resolution intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites enabling persistent coverage by an affordable satellite constellation and enabling a rapid reconstitution ability. To achieve this goal, Planar Imager explored recent developments in materials science and nanofabrication and matured small-scale ultra-thin optics demonstrated in the laboratory to larger sizes. Reducing optical payload SWaP-C enables multiple ISR satellites to be packaged into a single launch vehicle fairing, dramatically reducing launch costs and improving reconstitution rate. A more persistent and pervasive space-based ISR architecture will increase warfighter readiness and lethality. These planar optics also have possible applications in optical imaging systems where SWaP-C is a constraint, impacting all areas of optical remote sensing and imaging as well as any system that requires optical components. The anticipated primary transition partners are the Air Force and Space Force.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- 4c70688bd2023542de01bb0b40ebc6e1