Ommatidia LiDAR supports the next generation of space missions with an innovative instrument for in-orbit metrology of large reflectors.
The evolving demands of space exploration, telecommunications, and Earth observation have created a need for precision technologies capable of performing reliably in the challenging environment of space.
Ommatidia LiDAR is meeting this demand by developing an innovative metrology instrument designed specifically for the in-orbit characterization of large deployable reflectors. This groundbreaking technology is built to enhance the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of space missions, ensuring that critical components such as reflectors are functioning at their best.
- Revolutionary Optical Metrology Technology
- Meeting the Needs of Space Missions
- Advantages
- Ensuring Mission Success
Revolutionary Optical Metrology Technology
At the heart of Ommatidia's offering is a state-of-the-art Parallel Laser RADAR system, uniquely designed to provide unparalleled precision and reliability. Unlike traditional metrology systems, which often rely on complex mechanics and moving parts, Ommatidia's instrument is designed with a focus on simplicity, robustness, and lightweight construction. With its innovative architecture, free of moving parts, the instrument is not only more reliable but also better suited to withstand the harsh conditions of space.
The technology is capable of providing precise measurements down to 20µm over distances of up to 20 meters. Such exceptional accuracy is critical for accurately recovering the shape of advanced large reflectors, particularly those used in short-wavelength bands. These reflectors are vital components in a variety of space applications, including Earth observation satellites that require precise imagery and telecommunications satellites that must maintain accurate signal direction and strength. With Ommatidia’s LiDAR, the performance of these reflectors can be continuously monitored and maintained, ensuring that their structural integrity and shape remain optimal throughout the mission duration.
Meeting the Needs of Space Missions
Ommatidia LiDAR technology is tailored to support the demanding requirements of modern and future space missions. Large reflectors are increasingly being used to capture signals, transmit data, and observe our planet, making their precise shape and alignment essential for mission success. Any deviation or misalignment in these reflectors could compromise mission objectives, affecting data quality, signal clarity, or the performance of the satellite itself.
Ommatidia's LiDAR instrument addresses this need by providing high-resolution shape measurements in orbit. Its ability to recover the shape of reflectors with such a high degree of accuracy is particularly valuable for large structures, where even minor distortions can lead to significant performance issues. Furthermore, this metrology technology is suitable for the stringent conditions of space, where temperature changes, vacuum conditions, and radiation can all pose challenges to equipment reliability.
Advantages
- Unparalleled distance accuracy (20µm at 20m).
- Large number of sampled points in orbit.
- Free of moving parts.
- Small bandwidth use.
- Metrology grade calibration with compensation of thermal effects.
- 121 Beams, scalable to > 10.000.
Ensuring Mission Success
For missions in Earth observation and telecommunications, ensuring the optimal performance and functionality of large reflectors is crucial. By providing precise shape recovery and real-time in-orbit monitoring, Ommatidia’s LiDAR system supports mission-critical operations and the success of next-generation space missions. Whether used for imaging, signal transmission, or data collection, the precision metrology capabilities of this advanced LiDAR technology provide operators with the confidence and control they need to meet their mission objectives.
Ommatidia LiDAR represents a leap forward in space-based metrology, setting a new standard for the precise and reliable characterization of large reflectors in orbit. This technology not only guarantees high accuracy and efficiency but also enhances the performance of space assets, playing a key role in advancing the next generation of Earth observation and telecommunications missions.
In parallel to this ESA program development, Ommatidia's Q Series provides solutions for ground metrology of LDRs and other satellite structures.
While advancing its technology within ESA’s program, Ommatidia also offers comprehensive solutions for ground-based metrology of Large Deployable Reflectors (LDRs) and other satellite structures. Central to these efforts is the Q Series, a range of instruments designed to deliver exceptional accuracy and efficiency in metrology processes.
The Q Series instruments produce significantly denser point clouds than traditional methods while maintaining the same high levels of precision. These dense data sets provide a more detailed analysis of the structure, ensuring that every critical feature is captured and measured accurately. This comprehensive data collection streamlines the metrology process, making it both faster and more effective.
Unlike traditional methods that often rely on lengthy photogrammetry sessions or the use of hand-held scanners, the Q Series eliminates the need for such time-consuming procedures in large structures. By reducing the time required to capture accurate measurements, Ommatidia’s Q Series instruments significantly cut down on both the labor and costs typically associated with metrology of complex satellite components.
This enhanced efficiency not only speeds up project timelines but also provides cost-effective metrology solutions without compromising on accuracy. By reducing the complexity and duration of the measurement process, the Q Series instruments make it easier for engineers and manufacturers to validate and verify satellite structures, ensuring they meet the rigorous demands of space applications.
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