A compact, lightweight and quasi-athermal Optical Bench for iSIM170

The Integrated Standard Imager for Microsatellites (iSIM) is a new generation of high-resolution optical binocular imagers for Earth Observation satellites developed by SATLANTIS. It is the result of combining a compact and efficient optomechanical design, with the latest advances in electronics (both in detectors and processors), the use of commercialoff- the-shelf (COTS) components, and the incorporation of advanced manufacturing procedures. Through the use of cutting-edge technologies, the design of iSIM significantly reduces build & delivery times and provides a new level of affordability. iSIM-170 is the highest resolution optical payload of the iSIM family. The imager features a binocular camera with an aperture of 170mm offering multispectral capability (R, G, B, NIR, and PAN). At 500 km, iSIM-170 provides a spatial resolution of less than 1m over a swath width of 7.5km thanks to the implementation of superresolution algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence techniques. This spatial resolution is independent of the number of bands and is preserved while the satellite moves not only along but also across its orbit. The mass of iSIM-170 is less than 15kg (for more information please visit https://satlantis.com/isim-170/). Based on the early optical prescription, IDOM performed a thorough optical tolerance analysis and conceived a compact, lightweight and quasi-athermal optical bench aimed at providing optimum stability during observation in orbit while coping with the demanding launching conditions. IDOM’s collaboration with SATLANTIS expanded to the fabrication and testing of the first qualification units and the design of the first electronics box.