|
The field of earth observation requires increasingly complex optical instruments to meet the final requirements . The anticipation of instrument integration and alignment activities on the subsystem side is essential. Thales SESO manufactures opto-mechanical subsystems assembled in such different space instruments. The evolution of instruments, as TMA type, concerning the reduction of the space allocated requires Thales SESO to offer opto-mechanical components and associated measurements that are increasingly precise and reliable. The challenge here for Thales SESO is to manufacture, integrate and measure off-axis mirrors while ensuring accurate apex positioning. We will share here the results on the instrument of the MTG program for Telescope Optics subsystems of the two instruments FCI and IRS. Through a specific metrology scheme, including accurate scanning of the optical surface Thales SESO delivers to the customer a reliable and accurate location of the optical reference frame of each sub - assembly toward its mechanical reference frame. From these relative location, the customer is able, in its assembly process, to “plug” the sub-assembly directly in its nominal position to start the alignment process with interferometric system. The data transmitted by Thales SESO made it possible to anticipate each adjustment of the optical subsystems and to make a very accurate prediction of the alignment requirement. With the data measures by Thales SESO, our customers realize a very quick final alignment procedure, with minimum displacements, to meet the final goal. In this process, the alignment budget is also minimized, leading to a final WFE largely under the predictions made by the customer before receiving the assemblies.
|
