{"id":3334,"date":"2026-06-17T16:22:26","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T14:22:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/astravon.com\/?p=3334"},"modified":"2026-06-19T11:49:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T09:49:24","slug":"cubesat-telescope-design-tradeoffs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/resources\/cubesat-telescope-design-tradeoffs\/","title":{"rendered":"The Engineering Trade-offs Behind CubeSat Telescope Design"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_7bfee9-62 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_7bfee9-62 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_7bfee9-62 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:900px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_7bfee9-62 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_7bfee9-62 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:80px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:80px;padding-left:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_7bfee9-62 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:40px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:40px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_7bfee9-62 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_c987c3-fc inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8 has--font-size wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_a0298c-e8\">Executive Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d30230-86, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d30230-86[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d30230-86\"]{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d30230-86 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d30230-86[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d30230-86\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d30230-86 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d30230-86[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d30230-86\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d30230-86, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d30230-86[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d30230-86\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_d30230-86 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d30230-86\">Developing a successful CubeSat telescope involves far more than achieving optical performance targets. Engineers must balance competing requirements relating to aperture, thermal stability, manufacturability, qualification margins, mass, volume, and programme constraints. This article examines the key engineering trade-offs that influence space optical system design and explains why system-level optimisation is often more important than maximising any individual specification.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f0f0f0;}.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_3c56bb-0c inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_9354a4-06 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_9354a4-06 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_9354a4-06 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_9354a4-06 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_9354a4-06 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_9354a4-06 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:15px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_9354a4-06 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_5bf87f-b5 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a has--font-size wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_f352ec-6a\">Understanding Trade-offs in CubeSat Optical System Development<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_8ad8d8-1d\">CubeSat missions have significantly expanded the range of scientific and commercial applications that can be supported by compact spaceborne optical systems. As mission ambitions increase, so too do the demands placed upon optical payloads.<br><br>Customers frequently seek larger apertures, higher image quality, improved thermal stability, lower mass, shorter development schedules, and reduced programme costs. Individually, these requirements are understandable. Collectively, however, they often compete with one another.<br><br>The development of a successful CubeSat telescope is therefore less about maximising a particular performance metric and more about balancing a set of interdependent engineering constraints.<br><br>In Astravon\u2019s experience, the most successful programmes are not those that pursue the highest specification in every category. They are the programmes that identify the critical trade-offs early and make design decisions with a clear understanding of their system-level consequences.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-image3334_c23c4f-47 .kb-image-has-overlay:after{opacity:0.3;}<\/style>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-kadence-image kb-image3334_c23c4f-47\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1117\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CubeSat-Optical-System-Development.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"kb-img wp-image-3336\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CubeSat-Optical-System-Development.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CubeSat-Optical-System-Development-300x164.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CubeSat-Optical-System-Development-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CubeSat-Optical-System-Development-768x419.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CubeSat-Optical-System-Development-1536x838.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_c8d02c-f2\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_c00060-40 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_c00060-40 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_c00060-40 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_c00060-40 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_c00060-40 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_c00060-40 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:15px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:0px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_c00060-40 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_b2b9da-e7 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0 has--font-size wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_50dd67-e0\">Trade-off #1: Aperture Versus Available Volume<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_48708a-9d\">The relationship between aperture and performance is well understood. A larger aperture generally improves light collection and can enhance achievable resolution.<br><br>However, CubeSat platforms impose strict volumetric constraints.<br><br>A typical 2U envelope provides approximately:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>100 mm \u00d7 100 mm \u00d7 200 mm<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_0b7705-cc\">of available payload volume.<br><br>Whilst this may appear sufficient during early concept development, the practical volume available to the optical system is reduced by structural interfaces, electronics, harnessing, thermal hardware, integration clearances, and manufacturing tolerances.<br><br>As a result, increasing aperture often affects more than optical performance alone.<br><br>A modest increase of 20% in aperture may result in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased structural mass<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced packaging margin<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Greater alignment sensitivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More demanding thermal requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased manufacturing complexity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_6c20b9-fe\">The key engineering question is therefore not:<br><br>&#8220;How large can the aperture be?&#8221;<br><br>but rather:<br><br>&#8220;What aperture is required to achieve the mission objective?&#8221;<br><br>This distinction frequently influences architecture selection at an early stage of the programme.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f0f0f0;}.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_75739a-e4, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_75739a-e4:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_75739a-e4 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_42da1f-1c > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_42da1f-1c > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_42da1f-1c > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_42da1f-1c > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_42da1f-1c > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_42da1f-1c > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:15px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_42da1f-1c alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_15c413-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_15c413-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_15c413-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_15c413-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_15c413-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_15c413-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_15c413-1d{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_15c413-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_15c413-1d > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_15c413-1d, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_15c413-1d:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_15c413-1d inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc has--font-size wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_1cb677-bc\">Trade-off #2: Optical Performance Versus Thermal Stability<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_bd62d9-f5\">Many telescope concepts can achieve excellent image quality under laboratory conditions.<br><br>Maintaining that performance throughout launch and orbital operation is often considerably more challenging.<br><br>For compact optical systems operating within a controlled orbital environment of approximately 0\u00b0C to +40\u00b0C, focus stability requirements may demand critical dimensional changes remain within only a few microns.<br><br>Typical programme targets may include:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-container3334_89a57f-04{overflow-x:auto;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_89a57f-04 th{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_89a57f-04 caption{text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_89a57f-04 td{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);text-align:left;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_89a57f-04 td, .kb-table3334_89a57f-04 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_89a57f-04 td, .kb-table3334_89a57f-04 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_89a57f-04 td, .kb-table3334_89a57f-04 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-table-container kb-table-container3334_89a57f-04 wp-block-kadence-table\"><table class=\"kb-table kb-table3334_89a57f-04\">\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row3334_4e8c60-06{background-color:var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_4e8c60-06\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_5ee063-f2\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parameter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_444e2a-96\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Representative Target<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_01af74-51\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_ffa664-4c\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Operational Temperature Range<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_969efa-a3\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">0\u00b0C to +40\u00b0C<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_88de09-fe\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_954dcf-69\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Focus Shift<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_673e7c-18\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&lt; 5 \u03bcm&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_0bb6f2-70\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_51cba7-26\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">MTF Retention<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_0b7349-e3\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&gt; 85 %&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_348858-c4\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_a52fa0-03\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Optical Axis Stability<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_1dd867-9f\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&lt; 15 arcsec&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23\"]{text-align:none;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23\"] a, .kt-adv-heading-link3334_2896e6-23, .kt-adv-heading-link3334_2896e6-23 .kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23\"]{color:var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23\"] a:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link3334_2896e6-23:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link3334_2896e6-23:hover .kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23\"]{color:var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_2896e6-23\"><br>Achieving these targets can influence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Material selection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Structural architecture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mounting strategy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thermal interface design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manufacturing tolerances<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c\"]{text-align:none;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c\"] a, .kt-adv-heading-link3334_22d1fa-5c, .kt-adv-heading-link3334_22d1fa-5c .kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c\"]{color:var(--global-palette1, #3182CE);}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c\"] a:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link3334_22d1fa-5c:hover, .kt-adv-heading-link3334_22d1fa-5c:hover .kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c\"]{color:var(--global-palette2, #2B6CB0);}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_22d1fa-5c\">A common misconception is that thermal stability is principally an optical design issue.<br><br>In practice, thermal behaviour often emerges from interactions between optical, mechanical, thermal, and manufacturing decisions.<br><br>For this reason, thermal stability is generally most effective when treated as a system-level requirement rather than a downstream verification activity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e{text-align:left;}.kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_a2e9d0-9e kb-section-dir-vertical inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_c8606e-7d > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_c8606e-7d > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_c8606e-7d > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_c8606e-7d > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_c8606e-7d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_c8606e-7d > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_c8606e-7d alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_c46d37-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_c46d37-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_c46d37-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_c46d37-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_c46d37-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_c46d37-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_c46d37-68{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_c46d37-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_c46d37-68 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_c46d37-68\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_014844-c5, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_014844-c5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_014844-c5\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_014844-c5 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_014844-c5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_014844-c5\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_014844-c5 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_014844-c5[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_014844-c5\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_014844-c5 has--font-size wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_014844-c5\">Trade-off #3: Passive Stability Versus Active Correction<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b\"]{max-width:830px;text-align:left;font-style:normal;color:#333333;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_4d0925-3b\">When thermal effects become a concern, active compensation mechanisms are often considered.<br><br>Potential solutions may include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Refocusing mechanisms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjustable detector positions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Active alignment systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46\"]{max-width:830px;text-align:left;font-style:normal;color:#333333;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_6b7561-46\">Such approaches can be technically effective. However, they also introduce additional considerations relating to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mass<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Power consumption<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reliability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Qualification effort<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Operational complexity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77\"]{max-width:830px;text-align:left;font-style:normal;color:#333333;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_88ec71-77\">For many CubeSat missions, the preferred solution is not necessarily active correction, but a sufficiently stable passive architecture.<br><br>Athermal design approaches typically focus on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Thermal expansion matching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Structural symmetry<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Material selection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Controlled optical spacing behaviour<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f\"]{max-width:830px;text-align:left;font-style:normal;color:#333333;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d1ce9f-1f\">The objective is not to eliminate thermal expansion, which is physically impossible, but to ensure that its effects remain predictable and compatible with mission requirements.<br><br>The relevant engineering question is therefore not whether active correction can be implemented, but whether it is justified by the mission objectives and available spacecraft resources.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column3334_f13396-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_f13396-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_f13396-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_f13396-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_f13396-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_f13396-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_f13396-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f0f0f0;}.kadence-column3334_f13396-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_f13396-10{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_f13396-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_f13396-10 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_f13396-10, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_f13396-10:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_f13396-10 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_1ac09b-db > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_1ac09b-db > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_1ac09b-db > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_1ac09b-db > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_1ac09b-db > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_1ac09b-db > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:15px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_1ac09b-db alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_b329b6-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_b329b6-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_b329b6-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_b329b6-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_b329b6-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_b329b6-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_b329b6-11{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_b329b6-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_b329b6-11 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_b329b6-11, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_b329b6-11:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_b329b6-11 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc has--font-size wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_7dcaea-bc\">Trade-off #4: Optical Performance Versus Manufacturability<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_9b2a13-68\">Optical performance and manufacturability do not always improve together.<br><br>A design that performs exceptionally well as a prototype may become difficult or expensive to produce repeatedly.<br><br>This consideration is becoming increasingly important as the space industry moves beyond one-off demonstration missions towards larger production volumes.<br><br>Examples of factors that may influence manufacturability include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Alignment sensitivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Custom component count<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assembly complexity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supplier availability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Inspection requirements<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_ddf390-d0\">Typical internal trade studies may evaluate:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-container3334_92b28a-c6{overflow-x:auto;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_92b28a-c6 th{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_92b28a-c6 caption{text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_92b28a-c6 td{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);text-align:left;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_92b28a-c6 td, .kb-table3334_92b28a-c6 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_92b28a-c6 td, .kb-table3334_92b28a-c6 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_92b28a-c6 td, .kb-table3334_92b28a-c6 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-table-container kb-table-container3334_92b28a-c6 wp-block-kadence-table\"><table class=\"kb-table kb-table3334_92b28a-c6\">\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row3334_a46efe-3c{background-color:var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_a46efe-3c\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_c2fb02-e5\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Metric<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_76f092-cc\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Representative Value<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_f9ddd5-41\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_22d28f-69\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Optical Architectures Evaluated<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_1d67a0-30\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_c50707-15\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_9e884e-67\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mechanical Concepts Assessed<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_b9dbfa-2e\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">3<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_3a2401-8b\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_798dbe-34\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key Manufacturing Risks Identified<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_057075-a7\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">6<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_31d134-7c\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_192c11-e7\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Critical Tolerance Chains Analysed<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_985a5b-a3\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">5<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_120b97-d4\"><br>In some cases, accepting a small reduction in theoretical optical performance can substantially improve repeatability, schedule confidence, and production scalability.<br><br>The optimum solution depends upon programme priorities rather than optical performance alone.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4{text-align:left;}.kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_c5574e-c4 kb-section-dir-vertical inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_5413cf-01 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_5413cf-01 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_5413cf-01 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_5413cf-01 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_5413cf-01 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_5413cf-01 > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_5413cf-01 alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_1e5f8b-15 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_1e5f8b-15 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_1e5f8b-15 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_1e5f8b-15 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_1e5f8b-15 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_1e5f8b-15 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_1e5f8b-15{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_1e5f8b-15 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_1e5f8b-15 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_1e5f8b-15\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\">\n<h2 id=\"h-trade-off-5-qualification-margin-versus-resource-allocation\" class=\"wp-block-heading has--font-size\">Trade-off #5: Qualification Margin Versus Resource Allocation<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f\"]{max-width:830px;text-align:left;font-style:normal;color:#333333;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_b69a5a-1f\">Environmental qualification requirements influence design decisions from the earliest stages of development.<br><br>Optical systems intended for space operation must accommodate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Launch vibration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shock environments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thermal cycling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Long-term dimensional stability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_7ccbfe-f1\">Qualification margins provide confidence that a system will survive these conditions. However, margin is rarely without cost.<br><br>Additional margin may require:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increased structural stiffness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher mass allocation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional material<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More complex interfaces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_bbda61-ae\">Representative programme targets may include:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-container3334_159184-c3{overflow-x:auto;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_159184-c3 th{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_159184-c3 caption{text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_159184-c3 td{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);text-align:left;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_159184-c3 td, .kb-table3334_159184-c3 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_159184-c3 td, .kb-table3334_159184-c3 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_159184-c3 td, .kb-table3334_159184-c3 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-table-container kb-table-container3334_159184-c3 wp-block-kadence-table\"><table class=\"kb-table kb-table3334_159184-c3\">\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row3334_bfb0d5-3f{background-color:var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_bfb0d5-3f\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_16e293-39\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Parameter<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_f7bcc5-8a\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Representative Target<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_7b4684-43\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_7594d9-01\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Design Load Margin<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_1f1727-af\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">25 %&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_eaa5de-a1\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_21cbea-38\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Random Vibration Environment<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_0dc232-8f\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">4&nbsp; Grms<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_8a56e6-44\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_50c927-ec\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shock Environment<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_5b782d-98\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">1500&nbsp; g<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_ad1b31-bb\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_cf4ec4-3b\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-Test Focus Shift<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_083aad-6a\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&lt; 5 \u03bcm<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_7fd4b2-cf\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_be5a08-9a\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-Test MTF Change<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_088981-9c\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&lt; 5 %<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_c4156b-20\"><br>Engineering judgement is required to determine an appropriate balance between qualification confidence and efficient use of spacecraft resources.<br><br>Excessive conservatism can consume valuable mass and volume budgets. Insufficient margin can introduce unacceptable programme risk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column3334_37b485-90 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_37b485-90 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_37b485-90 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_37b485-90 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_37b485-90 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_37b485-90 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_37b485-90 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f0f0f0;}.kadence-column3334_37b485-90 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_37b485-90{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_37b485-90 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_37b485-90 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_37b485-90, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_37b485-90:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_37b485-90 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_be564c-7b > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_be564c-7b > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_be564c-7b > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_be564c-7b > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_be564c-7b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_be564c-7b > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:15px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_be564c-7b alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_19d15e-3c inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57 has--font-size wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_d174a3-57\">A Systems Engineering Approach to Trade-off Management<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_4705b2-6a\">Whilst individual trade-offs can be analysed separately, successful programmes ultimately require a system-level perspective.<br><br>Astravon\u2019s engineering teams typically assess five design drivers simultaneously:<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.kb-table-container3334_c7a3fe-d5{overflow-x:auto;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_c7a3fe-d5 th{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_c7a3fe-d5 caption{text-align:center;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_c7a3fe-d5 td{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xxs, 0.5rem);text-align:left;}.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_c7a3fe-d5 td, .kb-table3334_c7a3fe-d5 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_c7a3fe-d5 td, .kb-table3334_c7a3fe-d5 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-table-container .kb-table3334_c7a3fe-d5 td, .kb-table3334_c7a3fe-d5 th{border-top:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-right:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-bottom:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);border-left:1px solid var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-table-container kb-table-container3334_c7a3fe-d5 wp-block-kadence-table\"><table class=\"kb-table kb-table3334_c7a3fe-d5\">\n<style>.kb-table-container .kb-table tr.kb-table-row3334_de92c4-11{background-color:var(--global-palette7, #EDF2F7);}<\/style><tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_de92c4-11\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_29a5d2-97\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Design Driver<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_93ffcf-b0\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key Question<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_2c7635-a1\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_98b28b-02\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Optical Performance<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_a90364-d8\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What level of performance is genuinely required?<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_23f9f3-47\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_de2716-e3\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thermal Stability<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_e42c5a-ec\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can that performance be maintained in orbit?<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_ab36bd-bd\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_e19ffa-ae\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mechanical Robustness<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_311b9a-e2\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can the system survive launch and operation?<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_5a55dc-e9\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_cf0106-56\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manufacturability<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_141db2-40\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can it be produced reliably and repeatedly?<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n<tr class=\"kb-table-row kb-table-row3334_454b52-20\">\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_dfba36-88\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Programme Constraints<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n\n<td class=\"kb-table-data kb-table-data3334_e5acfb-19\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Does it align with schedule and budget objectives?<\/p>\n\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table><\/div>\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_dfca80-bd\"><br>This framework helps identify situations where improvements in one area create disproportionate impacts elsewhere.<br><br>In practice, the highest-performing telescope is not always the most successful telescope.<br><br>The most successful system is often the one that achieves the most appropriate balance between performance, risk, manufacturability, and mission requirements.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e{text-align:left;}.kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_4e09d7-6e kb-section-dir-vertical inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_ff2761-5b > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_ff2761-5b > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_ff2761-5b > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_ff2761-5b > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_ff2761-5b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_ff2761-5b > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_ff2761-5b alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_122909-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_122909-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_122909-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_122909-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_122909-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_122909-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_122909-6e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_122909-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_122909-6e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_122909-6e\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c has--font-size wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_343d69-2c\">Engineering Judgement Remains Essential<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc\"]{max-width:830px;text-align:left;font-style:normal;color:#333333;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_a42caa-bc\">Modern optical, thermal, and structural analysis tools provide remarkable predictive capability.<br><br>However, software does not eliminate engineering trade-offs.<br><br>Many important design decisions involve competing objectives that cannot be simultaneously optimised.<br><br>The role of engineering is therefore not simply to maximise performance metrics, but to determine which compromises best support the mission.<br><br>This is particularly true for CubeSat optical payloads, where constraints on mass, volume, power, and schedule leave little room for inefficiency.<br><br>Ultimately, successful CubeSat telescope development depends not only on technical capability, but also on the quality of the engineering decisions made throughout the programme lifecycle.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<style>.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-right:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);padding-left:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 > .kt-inside-inner-col{background-color:#f0f0f0;}.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_b82e8b-50 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_bc5b4b-0f > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_bc5b4b-0f > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_bc5b4b-0f > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_bc5b4b-0f > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_bc5b4b-0f > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_bc5b4b-0f > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:15px;padding-right:10px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_bc5b4b-0f alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b > .kt-inside-inner-col{padding-right:0px;padding-left:0px;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}.kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b, .kt-inside-inner-col > .kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b:not(.specificity){margin-right:0px;margin-left:0px;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_4a8b6b-5b inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9 has--font-size wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_55a29f-e9\">Need Support for Your Next Space Optics Project?<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2\"]{text-align:left!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2 wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_8dab7c-e2\">Every space optical system involves trade-offs between performance, stability, qualification requirements, manufacturability, cost, and schedule.<br><br>Astravon works with customers throughout the development process, from feasibility studies and architecture definition to optical design, opto-mechanical engineering, thermal analysis, and manufacturing preparation. By evaluating these competing requirements at a system level, we help customers identify solutions that are not only capable on paper, but practical to manufacture, qualify, and operate in orbit.<br><br>If your programme involves CubeSat telescopes, optical payloads, or other space-based imaging systems, we would be pleased to discuss the engineering considerations behind your next project.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_cb51bd-87 > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_cb51bd-87 > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_cb51bd-87 > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);max-width:600px;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;padding-top:100px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:100px;padding-left:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_cb51bd-87{background-image:url('https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/aa5db3cb7ec00521fa851e10293bfb68dde8bd63.jpg');background-size:cover;background-position:51% 23%;background-attachment:fixed;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_cb51bd-87 > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.60;background-color:var(--global-palette3, #1A202C);}@media all and (max-width: 1024px), only screen and (min-device-width: 1024px) and (max-device-width: 1366px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2) and (hover: none){.kb-row-layout-id3334_cb51bd-87{background-attachment:scroll;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_cb51bd-87 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:100px;padding-right:120px;padding-bottom:100px;padding-left:120px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_cb51bd-87 > .kt-row-column-wrap{padding-top:60px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:60px;padding-left:20px;grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}.kb-row-layout-id3334_cb51bd-87 {nnn}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_cb51bd-87 alignnone kt-row-has-bg wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-layout-overlay kt-row-overlay-normal\"><\/div><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_d977e1-c5 > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_d977e1-c5 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_d977e1-c5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_d977e1-c5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_d977e1-c5 > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_d977e1-c5 > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_d977e1-c5{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_d977e1-c5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_d977e1-c5 > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_d977e1-c5 inner-column-1\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba\"]{text-align:center;font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba\"]{line-height:40px;}}<\/style>\n<h2 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba wp-block-kadence-advancedheading has-theme-palette-9-color has-text-color\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_b43ee2-ba\">Partner with Astravon<\/h2>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae\"]{text-align:center;font-style:normal;color:#ffffff;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae\"]{text-align:center!important;}}<\/style>\n<p class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_dbda48-ae\">Astravon aims to be a trusted engineering partner for optical systems that must perform as intended, throughout their operational life.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn.kb-btns3334_863de1-6e{gap:var(--global-kb-gap-xs, 0.5rem );justify-content:center;align-items:center;}.kt-btns3334_863de1-6e .kt-button{font-weight:normal;font-style:normal;}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn kb-buttons-wrap kb-btns3334_863de1-6e\"><style>ul.menu .wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn3334_f5fa08-95.kb-button{width:initial;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedbtn .kb-btn3334_f5fa08-95.kb-button{color:var(--global-palette9, #ffffff);font-size:18px;line-height:24px;border-top-left-radius:8px;border-top-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-right-radius:8px;border-bottom-left-radius:8px;}<\/style><a class=\"kb-button kt-button button kb-btn3334_f5fa08-95 kt-btn-size-standard kt-btn-width-type-auto kb-btn-global-inherit kt-btn-has-text-true kt-btn-has-svg-false wp-block-button__link wp-block-kadence-singlebtn\" href=\"https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/contact\"><span class=\"kt-btn-inner-text\">Contact Us<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_3453d0-ce > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_3453d0-ce > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_3453d0-ce > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);padding-top:var(--global-kb-spacing-sm, 1.5rem);grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_3453d0-ce > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_3453d0-ce > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_3453d0-ce > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_3453d0-ce alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap kt-has-1-columns kt-row-layout-equal kt-tab-layout-inherit kt-mobile-layout-row kt-row-valign-top\">\n<style>.kadence-column3334_8c901c-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col,.kadence-column3334_8c901c-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{border-top-left-radius:0px;border-top-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-right-radius:0px;border-bottom-left-radius:0px;}.kadence-column3334_8c901c-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-sm, 1rem);}.kadence-column3334_8c901c-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;}.kadence-column3334_8c901c-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col > .aligncenter{width:100%;}.kadence-column3334_8c901c-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col:before{opacity:0.3;}.kadence-column3334_8c901c-3e{position:relative;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kadence-column3334_8c901c-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kadence-column3334_8c901c-3e > .kt-inside-inner-col{flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;}}<\/style>\n<div class=\"wp-block-kadence-column kadence-column3334_8c901c-3e\"><div class=\"kt-inside-inner-col\"><style>.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec\"]{margin-bottom:var(--global-kb-spacing-xs, 1rem);font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}<\/style>\n<h3 class=\"kt-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec has--font-size wp-block-kadence-advancedheading\" data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading3334_e90e1b-ec\">Recommended<\/h3>\n\n\n<style>.kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf > .kt-row-column-wrap{align-content:start;}:where(.kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf > .kt-row-column-wrap) > .wp-block-kadence-column{justify-content:start;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf > .kt-row-column-wrap{column-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);row-gap:var(--global-kb-gap-md, 2rem);}.kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));}.kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf > .kt-row-layout-overlay{opacity:0.30;}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}}@media all and (max-width: 1024px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:repeat(3, minmax(0, 1fr));}}@media all and (max-width: 767px){.kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf > .kt-row-column-wrap > div:not(.added-for-specificity){grid-column:initial;}.kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf > .kt-row-column-wrap{grid-template-columns:minmax(0, 1fr);}}<\/style><div class=\"kb-row-layout-wrap kb-row-layout-id3334_512b13-cf alignnone wp-block-kadence-rowlayout\"><div class=\"kt-row-column-wrap 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src=\"https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Star-Tracker-Optical-Design-for-Spaceborne-Attitude-Systems-1-1024x536.jpg\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Star-Tracker-Optical-Design-for-Spaceborne-Attitude-Systems-1-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Star-Tracker-Optical-Design-for-Spaceborne-Attitude-Systems-1-300x157.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Star-Tracker-Optical-Design-for-Spaceborne-Attitude-Systems-1-768x402.jpg 768w, https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Star-Tracker-Optical-Design-for-Spaceborne-Attitude-Systems-1-1536x804.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Star-Tracker-Optical-Design-for-Spaceborne-Attitude-Systems-1-2048x1072.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-grid-item-inner\"><header><h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/resources\/star-tracker-optical-design\/\">Star Tracker Optical Design for Spaceborne Attitude Determination<\/a><\/h2><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-top-meta\"><\/div><\/header><div class=\"entry-content\">Star Tracker Optical Design for Spaceborne Attitude Determination Spacecraft attitude&#8230;<div class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore-wrap\"><a class=\"kt-blocks-post-readmore\" href=\"https:\/\/staging.astravon.com\/staging\/resources\/star-tracker-optical-design\/\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> Star Tracker Optical Design for Spaceborne Attitude Determination<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><footer class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer\"><div class=\"kt-blocks-post-footer-left\"><\/div><div 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Engineers must balance&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3335,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"default","_kad_post_title":"default","_kad_post_layout":"default","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"sidebar-secondary","_kad_post_content_style":"default","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"default","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"_kad_post_classname":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3334","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resources"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO 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