• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.64-74
• /
• 2018

Small high-resolution Earth observation satellites require precise optical alignment at the submicron level. However, misalignments can occur due to the influence of external factors during the launch and operation despite the sufficient alignment processes that take place before the launch. Thus, satellites need to realign their optical elements in orbit in what is known as a refocusing process to compensate for any misalignments. Refocusing algorithms developed for satellites have only considered de-space, which is the most sensitive factor with respect to image quality. However, the existing algorithms can cause correction error when inner and external forces generate tilt amount in an optical system. The present work suggests an improved online refocusing algorithm by considering the tilting effect for application in the case of a de-spaced and tilted optical system. In addition, the algorithm is considered to be efficient in terms of time and cost because it is designed to be used as an online method that does not require ground communication.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
• /
• v.12 no.3
• /
• pp.9-17
• /
• 2018

For Earth observation, a small satellite camera has relatively weak structural stability compared to medium-sized satellite, resulting in misalignment of optical components due to severe launching and space environments. These alignment errors can deteriorate the optical performance of satellite cameras. In this study, we proposed a 3-axis focus mechanism to compensate misalignment in a small satellite camera. This mechanism consists of three piezo-electric actuators to perform x-axis and y-axis tilt with de-space compensation. Design requirements for the focus mechanism were derived from the design of the Schmidt-Cassegrain target optical system. To compensate the misalignment of the secondary mirror (M2), the focus mechanism was installed just behind the M2 to control the 3-axis movement of M2. In this case, flexure design with Box-Behnken test plan was used to minimize optical degradation due to wave front error. The wave front error was analyzed using ANSYS. The fabricated focus mechanism demonstrated excellent servo performance in experiments with PID servo control.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.26-36
• /
• 2019

The precise alignment between optical components is required in high-resolution earth observation satellites. However, the misalignment of optical components occurs due to external factors such as severe satellite launch environment and space environment. A satellite optical system with a focus mechanism is required to compensate for the image quality degraded by these misalignments. This study designed, fabricated, aligned precisely, and carried out a performance tests for the image quality of the system. The satellite optical camera performance tests were carried out to check the image quality change by operating the focus mechanism and to analyze the satellite optical system MTF by photographing USAF target using the autocollimator. According to the experimental results, the misalignments can be compensated sufficiently with the focus mechanism. Finally the basic data for re-focusing algorithm of the optical system was obtained through this study.