Explore the evolution, technical parameters, and application scenarios of camera mirrors in space engineering. Discover how SpaceNavi Co.,Ltd. leverages advanced manufacturing for optical innovation, with a focus on Sitall Reflection Mirror.
1. Industry Trends: Camera Mirrors in Satellite Parts
Camera mirrors represent the backbone of modern space imaging, remote sensing, and astronomical observation. With advancements in optical manufacturing and a surge in global satellite launches, the demand for highly-stable, lightweight, and thermally efficient mirrors is skyrocketing.
According to recent reports from SPIE Digital Library, the next decade will witness a strong focus on material innovation, asymmetric/aspherical designs, and edge-cutting CNC processing for satellite parts—particularly those related to optics.
- The component use of mirrors in optical payloads and telescopic cameras has grown at a CAGR of 15% since 2018 (Optica Newsroom, 2024).
- Custom camera mirrors processed with robotic CNC and ion-beam technologies are now standard in high-value missions.
- Price segmentation for major component price brackets indicates that sitall-based mirrors are among the most cost-efficient for precision and thermal stability [ESO, 2014].
2. Product Spotlight: Sitall Reflection Mirror by SpaceNavi Co.,Ltd.
Sitall Reflection Mirror leverages advanced robotic CNC processing, ion-beam figuring, and state-of-the-art polishing techniques. This enables large-aperture, high-precision, and complex surface mirrors, custom-made for diverse satellite and space-science platforms.
- Product Name: Sitall Reflection Mirror
- Material: Sitall glass-ceramic—renowned for extremely low thermal expansion (-7 K-1), stability, and lightweight properties
- Processing: Robotic CNC, ion beam figuring, high-precision polishing, milling
- Finish: Aspherical/asymmetrical, customized to mm/sub-mm accuracy
- Diameter: Up to 1500mm, with exceptional flatness
- Main Applications: Camera mirrors for satellites, high-resolution telescopes, and scientific instruments
- Product Page: https://www.space-navi.com/sitall-reflection-mirror.html
Equipped for both customization and batch production, these camera mirrors offer unrivaled optical performance for satellites, planetary exploration, and space-based research.
3. Technical Benchmark: Camera Mirrors Parameter Overview
3.1. Common Technical Parameters Table
3.2. Visualization: Key Trends in Satellite Camera Mirror Tech
3.3. Sitall Reflection Mirror: Technical Indicators Comparison
3.4. Product Specs: Batch Comparison Table
Parameter |
Sitall Reflection Mirror |
Zerodur Mirror |
ULE Mirror |
Thermal Expansion Coefficient |
<0.8x10-7 |
0.0±0.1x10-7 |
<1.0x10-7 |
Max Diameter |
1500mm |
1200mm |
1000mm |
Flatness |
<15nm RMS |
<18nm RMS |
<25nm RMS |
Surface Quality |
60/40 (or better) |
60/40 |
80/50 |
Reflectivity |
>98.5% |
98% |
98% |
4. Application Scenarios of Camera Mirrors in Satellite Engineering
Camera mirrors, especially those produced from Sitall, are pivotal in:
- Earth observation payloads: providing ultra-stable imaging for mapping and environmental monitoring.
- Space telescopes: requiring large apertures with minimal distortion or expansion.
- Planetary science probes: exposed to extreme thermal cycles but maintaining precise optical alignment.
- Military reconnaissance: demanding both lightweight and robust satellite parts.
- Commercial satellites: maximizing cost-performance with reliable, batch-produced camera mirrors.
According to the International Society of Optics and Photonics (
SPIE), the increased automation in customizing optics—such as via robotic CNC and ion-beam methods—has ushered in an era of affordable, mass-produced high-precision
component use without sacrificing quality (
SPIE Proceedings).
5. Component Price & Cost Analysis of Satellite Camera Mirrors
When it comes to component price, a variety of factors interplay:
- Material Cost: Sitall, prized for its low CTE, offers the best price-to-stability balance, significantly outperforming fused silica and metals.
- Processing Complexity: Robotic CNC and ion-beam technologies minimize labor costs and reduce error rates for intricate aspherical surfaces.
- Batch vs. Custom: Camera mirrors customized per mission specification command a premium, although batch orders (as enabled by SpaceNavi Co.,Ltd.) sharply reduce the per-unit price.
- Coatings & Assembly: High-reflectivity, contamination-resistant coatings can add 10-15% to overall component price.
6. Frequently Asked Questions: Industry-specific Q&A
- Q1. What materials are commonly used for manufacturing camera mirrors?
-
Sitall, Zerodur, and ULE are the leading materials due to their exceptionally low coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE), excellent dimensional stability, and suitability for high-precision optical manufacturing.
- Q2. What are the critical specifications for satellite camera mirrors?
-
Key specs include flatness (usually <15nm RMS), diameter (up to 1500mm), surface accuracy (λ/10 or better), surface roughness (low nm scale), and mechanical lightweighting for launch.
- Q3. How are these mirrors installed and aligned in space payloads?
-
Standard aerospace mounting solutions involve flexure or kinematic mounts. Alignment is handled with reference fiducials and active metrology during integration, often using laser trackers.
- Q4. What international standards govern component use in satellite mirrors?
-
ISO 10110, MIL-PRF-13830B, and ECSS-Q-ST-70-18C provide guidelines for specification, surface quality, and space-environment compatibility.
- Q5. How does the component price vary for batch vs. custom mirrors?
-
Batch manufacturing (50+ units/year) can bring down unit cost by as much as 30% over single custom runs, owing to process scaling, tooling amortization, and reduced QA labor.
- Q6. What finishing processes ensure the high performance of camera mirrors?
-
Robotic CNC processing, ion-beam figuring, and sub-aperture polishing are industry standards. Surface cleanliness and AR/hard-coatings are also critical for optical quality and longevity.
- Q7. What trends are shaping the future of camera mirrors for satellites?
-
Modular and ultra-light designs with edge sensors for active correction, enhanced surface functionalization, and further automation via AI-driven CNC/metrology are key drivers in the next decade.
- Industry Authority: Recognized by top forums and journals for advanced materials and manufacturing (SPIE, ESA).
- Custom Innovation: Fast turnaround from design to delivery, thanks to in-house robotic CNC and ion-beam infrastructure.
- Scalable Solutions: Capable of both single custom units and large-scale batch orders—with optimal stability and cost.
- Integrated Expertise: End-to-end support from requirement capture to post-delivery optical testing.
For more information, reach out to
SpaceNavi Co.,Ltd. at
+86 13943095588 |
jl1sales02@space-navi.com. Visit the official product page:
Sitall Reflection Mirror.
References and Further Reading: