Precision Space Freeform Optics For Microcarb: Final Report

The MicroCarb mission was initiated in dec 2015 during the COP21 climate conference. Its objective is a better understanding of the carbon cycle within our atmosphere and thus enabling the prediction of its evolution. The French space agency CNES selected Airbus Defense & Space for the development of the satellite and its disruptive instrument with an original concept based on multi freeform mirror design. Safran Reosc was selected by Airbus for the optical manufacturing of all the key optical components of this innovative compact spectrometer, the first in EU of its class entirely based on precision freeform optics.We will first recall the benefits of using freeform optics in an imaging or spectral instrument. Then we will present the MicroCarb satellite and its instrument optical design.Joint design analysis was spent with Airbus towards 'feasible' optics despite the fact that this project constituted a unique opportunity for Safran Reosc to make a quantum leap in optical manufacturing and testing technology for precision freeform optics in Silicon Carbide (SiC).