KEYWORDS: Sensors, Modulation transfer functions, Point spread functions, Stars, Telescopes, Detection and tracking algorithms, Cameras, Imaging systems, Exoplanets, Data modeling
The ESA M-size mission PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillation of stars) is scheduled for launch in 2026. During its 4-year mission orbiting Sun-Earth L2 is aimed at the discovery of exo-planets in nearby star systems. Its 26 cameras will be looking toward deep space, covering a wide area of the sky. Each camera is based on a fully dioptric design. Each camera is composed of a telescope optical unit (TOU) and a focal plane array (FPA). Here the procedure for the characterization of the best imaging plane (BIP) for each TOU is described. Camera manufacturing activity faces the challenge, by design, of locating the BIP for each TOU with high precision (±30 μm). Strict tolerances for accommodating the FPA are in fact in place in terms of inter-distances with respect to the mechanical mounts and tilts. Localization of the BIP will be carried out by mathematical optimization of the enclosed energy performances that will be evaluated at a pre-defined set of 45 field positions. Given the relatively big field-of-view of each camera (1037 deg2 for 24 normal-type and 610 deg2 for the 2 fast-type), this poses a challenge for a single service detector. Instead, an approach based on stitching single views of a smaller active area detector will be carried out. To circumvent performance limitations of detectors, for example, image degradation due to finite-size pixel sampling, dithering will be performed by leveraging a very precise mechanical positioner (hexapods) on which the detector is mounted.
The Near-Earth Object Survey TELescope- NEOSTEL telescope is based on the Fly-Eye design developed by OHB-Italia that it is also the prime contractor and the technical coordinator of a multinational consortium that develops and deploys its first unit. The Italian INAF institute supports OHB-Italia in the integration and testing phase of the NEOSTEL telescope within the NEOSTED (Near-Earth Object Survey TElescope Development) program. NEOSTEL is an optical telescope, 1-meter class primary mirror, that splits the image into 16 CCD cameras mounted on as many objectives (Secondary Optics Tubes-SOTs). Each channel optically works as a single unit of a multi-telescope, and it is equipped with a camera. The NEOSTEL CCD camera is under development within the ESA ASTROCAD program. The 1180mm entrance aperture and the performance of the ASTROCAD camera shall allow scanning two-thirds of the visible sky about three times per night, detecting NEOs down to apparent magnitudes 21.5. ESA, in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI) identified the location for the installation of the first NEOSTEL prototype on top of the Mount Mufara on the Madonie Chain in Sicily.
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