Abstract: A 3D-printed reflective optic providing very high specific stiffness through the utilization of a hollow shelled design, with closed back, filled with high-stiffness internal volumetric space-filling open-cell lattice structures. Structurally-integrated sacrificial structures are included for the purposes of reduction or elimination of tooling during post-processing operations.

Abstract: A three-loop inertial stabilization system with active jitter suppression and optical control to reduce line-of-sight (LOS) jitter based on platform induced motion in cantilevered gimbal systems. A first loop comprises at least one rate sensor, a Kalman state estimator, and a rate to angle module. A second loop comprises a mirror system, a focal plane and centroid processing module, an open-loop closed loop selector, a signal combiner and a loop integrator. A third loop comprises a fast steering mirror, offload module and at least one gimbal motor driver, wherein the three loops suppress the jitter of the cantilevered gimbal system.

Abstract: A 3D-printed reflective optic providing very high specific stiffness through the utilization of a hollow shelled design, with closed back, filled with high-stiffness internal volumetric space-filling open-cell lattice structures. High-stiffness, structurally-integrated, sacrificial structures are also included for the purposes of reduction or elimination of tooling during post-processing operations.

Abstract: A 3D-printed reflective optic providing very high specific stiffness through the utilization of a hollow shelled design, with closed back, filled with high-stiffness internal volumetric space-filling open-cell lattice structures. High-stiffness, structurally-integrated, sacrificial structures are also included for the purposes of reduction or elimination of tooling during post-processing operations.

Abstract: A mid-wave infrared system provides high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of atmospheric temperatures and moisture fields using a constellation of low earth orbit satellites. The disclosed system is smaller, lighter, less complex, and requires less energy than existing systems, due to implementation of an infrared avalanche photodiode array detector that provides enhanced sensitivity with reduced cooling requirements, and an Offner spectrometer having a novel a refractive element inserted near the grating that reduces the size and power requirements of the spectrometer. Embodiments of the disclosed method include deploying a constellation of devices for cooperative infrared sensing of atmospheric phenomena at similar rates, lower cost, and much higher resolution compared to geosynchronous approaches.

Abstract: A mid-wave infrared system provides high spatial and temporal resolution measurements of atmospheric temperatures and moisture fields using a constellation of low earth orbit satellites. The disclosed system is smaller, lighter, less complex, and requires less energy than existing systems, due to implementation of an infrared avalanche photodiode array detector that provides enhanced sensitivity with reduced cooling requirements, and an Offner spectrometer having a novel a refractive element inserted near the grating that reduces the size and power requirements of the spectrometer. Embodiments of the disclosed method include deploying a constellation of devices for cooperative infrared sensing of atmospheric phenomena at similar rates, lower cost, and much higher resolution compared to geosynchronous approaches.

Abstract: A method of weather observations by a constellation comprises at least a first cluster of three micro-satellites each orbiting around earth, and each micro-satellites comprises a spectrometer. Orbiting the three micro-satellites of the first duster around the earth in three separate orbits offset with respect to one another. Staggering the three micro-satellites with respect to one another as they orbit. Selecting the offset and the staggering, of each of the three micro-satellites with respect to one another, so that each one of the three micro-satellites have a substantially identical viewing area as each one of the three micro-satellites orbits around the earth.

Abstract: A method of weather observations by a constellation comprises at least a first duster of three micro-satellites each orbiting around earth, and each micro-satellites comprises a spectrometer. Orbiting the three micro-satellites of the first duster around the earth in three separate orbits offset with respect to one another. Staggering the three micro-satellites with respect to one another as they orbit. Selecting the offset and the staggering, of each of the three micro-satellites with respect to one another, so that each one of the three micro-satellites have a substantially identical viewing area as each one of the three micro-satellites orbits around the earth.