Astronomy has always relied on optical instruments, from the early Galilean telescope to fiber-fed spectrographs, so much so that astronomy and modern optics are called astrophotonics. Since ...

Near Infrared Spectrograph NIRSpec and Mid-Infrared Instrument MIRI are installed with two other instruments in JWST’s payload module called the Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM). Together, ...

Engineers at L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, New York, have combined all 10 mirrors for NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Preliminary tests show the newly aligned optics, collectively ...

Space-based gravitational wave detection hinges on the precise free-fall of test masses within an interferometric framework. These free-falling cubes, typically composed of gold‐platinum alloys, are ...

Agile, space-qualified optical payloads enable customers to enter booming space economy quickly with low risk. Ontario, N.Y. — The commercialization of space is creating unprecedented opportunities ...

The use of optical lasers between orbiting satellites are commonplace. Less common is using lasers from Earth to satellites.

The Ground Laser Transmitter at the Kryoneri Observatory pointing at the moon. Credit: European Space Agency The European Space Agency (ESA) successfully established a transmission-reception optical ...

The European Space Agency (ESA) has confirmed the successful launch of “EarthCARE”, its joint venture with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) that is expected to provide a new level of ...

Telescopes have mirrors that help them gather light, but the challenge of modern telescopes is getting the mirrors to bend and move to collect the most light. Discover how Smithsonian researchers are ...

The field of Earth Observation (EO) is continuously advancing with the development of new optical remote sensing techniques and instrument concepts. These ...