Method and apparatus for deployable sparse-aperture telescope in small satellite form-factor

Imaging systems form an integral part of several technologies, including photography, videography, medical imaging, and more. As the demand for superior and precise imaging resolution escalates, the need for advanced imaging systems has intensified. However, traditional imaging technologies are often limited in capabilities and often lack the degree of flexibility needed for high-precision tasks. One of the key problems with prevalent systems lies in the rigidity of their structures, reducing the flexibility of use and limiting the refinement in imaging. The absence of a sparse aperture in classical designs has curtailed the potential to capture detailed images, affecting the efficacy of the imaging process as a whole. Hence, there is a dire need for an improved and adaptable imaging system.

Technology Description

The presented imaging system is a novel design that includes a metering structure surrounded by a plurality of foldable members. Each of these foldable members comprises an arm made of a strain deployable composite and houses a reflector. The arm is specifically engineered to control the proximity of the foldable member, both toward and away from the metering structure, thus allowing flexibility in operation. What sets this imaging system apart is its ability to form a sparse aperture when in second state. Thanks to the reflector within each foldable member, the aperture augments the potential of the system to capture refined imagery. This innovation opens the way for enhanced resolution and imaging capabilities, which outpace conventional imaging systems. The strain deployable composite further allows for easy and efficient manipulation of the imaging system, making the technology more practical and adaptable.