Novel TMA telescope based on ultra precise metal mirrors

Modem telescopes for space applications use complex optical elements like aspheres or freeforms. For the multispectral pushbroom scanner for spaceborne Earth remote sensing the Jena-Optonik GmbH has developed a Jena-Spaceborne-Scanner JSS product line. The optic of JSS-56 imager is realised by a Three-Mirror-Anastigmat (TMA) telescope designed in aluminium [1]. For brilliant pictures, mirrors with high shape accuracy and very smooth surfaces are required. The combination of precise diamond turning and post polishing techniques enables the classical infrared application for the visible and ultra-violet range. A wide variety of complex mirror shapes are feasible. A special new solution for lightweight design was applied. Ultra precise metal mirrors with aspherical surface are developed at the Fraunhofer IOF from design to system integration. This paper summarizes technologies and results for design, fabrication and surface finish of ultra lightweight aspherical metal mirrors for novel TMA telescopes.