LLNL and Starris: Optimax Space Systems Partner on Monolithic Telescope Tech
LIVERMORE, Calif., Dec. 20, 2024 — Starris: Optimax Space Systems and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have partnered to commercialize LLNL’s monolithic telescope technology, accelerating rapid deployment of modular optical designs for high-resolution or high-sensitivity space imagery.
Starris has collaborated over the last decade with LLNL’s space program to develop the monolithic telescope technology and will manufacture — at scale and with customization options — the precision-fabricated optical lens that forms the image in the telescope. The collaboration with LLNL is now extended via a government-use license for commercializing the technology through LLNL’s Innovation and Partnerships Office.
The reflections of Brian Bauman (left), the space hardware principal optical engineer and inventor of the monolithic telescope, and Frank Ravizza, the space hardware optical engineering lead, are seen on the primary mirror surface of a flight-ready 175-millimeter aperture monolithic telescope. Additionally, Ravizza is seen holding a 25-millimeter aperture monolithic optic. The ease of handling showcases the robust design incorporated in all monolithic telescopes. Courtesy of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Starris will commercialize and scale the LLNL monolithic telescope technology specifically for space domain awareness: the detection, tracking, cataloging and identification of artificial objects, including satellites, spent rocket bodies, asteroids or debris. The compact yet robust monolith enables tactically responsive space, with the ability to deliver on-orbit capabilities with speed and agility.
“Our ability to scale production of the LLNL payload solutions will enable the rapid deployment of small satellite constellations to support continuously evolving mission needs,” said Kevin Kearney, Starris director and chief technology officer. “Optimax has been honored to work with LLNL in the development and refinement of the monolithic telescope technology, providing precision optics manufacturing and measurement expertise.”
The monolithic optics are aligned at manufacture with straightforward interfaces, low moments of inertia, and high thermal tolerance. Unlike traditional telescopes, the LLNL monolithic technology is “shelf-stable,” in that it is aligned during fabrication at Optimax and maintains its alignment and precision indefinitely. It also does not require handling in high cleanliness environments, as the mirrors are encased inside the telescope.
Initially designed for intelligence and defense applications, the LLNL monolithic telescopes have been proven in several space missions and were chosen to fly on the upcoming U.S. Space Force’s Victus Haze mission in 2025, which is intended to test military capabilities to rapidly deploy satellites in response to threats in orbit.
Being a responsive space-payload technology, the LLNL monoliths can be easily integrated into space missions, according to Ben Bahney, LLNL space program leader.
“Our monolithic telescopes are a disruptive technology because they significantly reduce development time and cost while also providing outstanding performance, generating the best resolution possible for a given aperture size,” Bahney said.
Optimax launched Starris earlier this year to accelerate space technologies with a pre-engineered modular approach combining optics, sensors, and electronics. Starris will integrate the monoliths into its optical payloads.
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