A space Fresnel imager concept assessment study led by CNES for astrophysical applications

In 2009, the Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES) carried out an assessment study on a “Fresnel telescope” concept based on a two-spacecraftformation flying configuration. This concept uses a binary Fresnel zone plate, and the principle of diffraction focusing, which allows high resolution optical imaging for astrophysics. In addition to CNES, the Laboratoire d’Astrophysique de Toulouse Tarbes (LATT) was deeply involved at two levels: through Research & Technology (RT UV, visible or Infra Red (IR) (up to 6 μm) could be achievable in the future. Larger missions, using a primary array larger than 20 m, request technologies not yet available but that will probably be based on new inflatable structures with membranes, as already tested in the USA for other ends.