Abstract:

This paper presents the design, laboratory testing, and orbital performance evaluation of a novel catadioptric optical system developed for nanosatellite Earth observation. The study outlines the design of the aperture control mechanism, optical quality assessment using Imatest Master, and environmental resistance testing under ultra-high vacuum, high temperature, and mechanical vibrations. Integration of the laboratory prototype with the Światowid nanosatellite was followed by comprehensive calibration and qualification tests. Subsequent orbital deployment via the Cygnus NG-11 mission enabled in-orbit performance verification, including thermal stability monitoring and analysis of imaging data. The results confirm that the optical system maintained