Our IMPACT
Requirements for space observation and exploration are extremely demanding and have always led to the development of breakthrough technologies whose impact on the economy and society had not been foreseen. Two major spin-offs from astronomy are: (1) the CCD cameras in cell phones as the early CCD devices were barely usable for surveillance systems and it was only through the developments forced by their use in sensitive astronomical observations that the modern, low-noise, megapixel versions were developed; and (2) the Wi-Fi technology protocols dedicated to radio astronomy.
Our Live-Mirror technology prototype should be scalable, allowing us to create large (up to 5m in diameter) and very precise optical surfaces and deliver the next generation of highly lightweight Earth-, space-, or Moon-based telescopes. In addition, this technology will serve all applications requiring precise and cheap remote detection, such as (i) Astronomical systems, (ii) Wireless optical communication systems (UV and free-space systems); (iii) Light-collection systems for the production of clean, solar energy plants; (iv) Space surveillance (of both Earth and near-Earth environments), for security and resources.
Future free-space optical communications require a multi-milliard euro industry for point-to-point and ground-to-space options. Our mirrors, made at a fraction of the cost of conventional optics, will accelerate the deployment of these technologies.
Visionary technologies will be developed in the framework of the EIC Live-Mirror, opening up promising avenues for powerful new space- and ground-based instruments that deliver optimal performance at a very low cost.