Berliner Glas develops and manufactures optical high-end components, assemblies and systems that satisfy the strict requirements for use in space. This includes precision optics used to monitor the environment from space as well as optic modules used for laser communication - for example for the Laser Communication Terminal (LCT) of the Data Highway in Space.
In order to guarantee the necessary, highly specific properties, all optical systems are tested and qualified for use in space by our specialists.
At our location in Berlin, we develop and produce optic modules for Laser Communication Terminals (LCT) that are decisive in driving the "optical fiber revolution" in space.
The LCT transmits large volumes of data (1.8 Gbit/s) between satellites in low-earth orbit (LEO) and in geostationary orbit (GEO). This means that satellite data can be provided very quickly for evaluation on the Earth (details here in Data Highway in Space). This technology also is foremost in the area of energy efficiency and security (insensitive to noise, tap-proof).
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Test setup and installation location in clean-room environment (ISO Class 5) |
The primary task of modern satellites is to provide civilian Earth monitoring to research environmental impacts on the Earth. Our contribution to this area consists ultra-precise prisms made from various materials (with precision greater than λ/5) for environmental satellites in EnMAP (Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program).
EnMAP is a satellite program that records hyperspectral image data of the Earth’s surface. The spectrometer covers the wavelength range from 420 nm to 2450 nm with ca. 230 spectral channels for the visible and infrared spectral range. The project is supported by German Aerospace Center (DLR) with funds from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi).
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Environmental satellite EnMAP: Operating principle and animation, source: OHB System AG |
With our know-how of anodic bonding of SiSiC and glass, we possess special manufacturing expertise when manufacturing space mirrors of many different dimensions and contours.
With these ultra-precise mirrors (High-Performance Mirror for Space Applications) that must master both extremely harsh environmental effects as well as extraordinary efficiency during their many years in space, we provide value when realizing complex optical systems such as laser communication systems in space.
In order to meet the highest demands for the greatest possible durability of our products, we are constantly expanding our technological know-how in the area of joining (e.g. anodic bonding of SiSiC and glass) or coating (e.g. PVD of glass on SiC).
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Closed light-weight structures for mirrors used in space |
Viewing the stars has not only been of great importance since the astronomical pioneers Galileo Galilei or Johannes Kepler. With earthbound optical systems and high-end components that meet the requirements for use in astronomical applications, we support many space monitoring projects.
For a successful performance in space, it is absolutely necessary to use the correct and qualified equipment when adjusting, measuring and inspecting on the ground. We are your excellent partner in this regard and have already provided the decisive OGSE (optical ground support equipment) for many key applications and important space programs.
Our components have been used successfully in the following space programs:
Program | Start |
SENTINEL-2B | 2017 |
SENTINEL-1B | 2016 |
EDRS-A | 2016 |
SENTINEL-2A | 2015 |
SENTINEL-1A | 2014 |
ALPHASAT | 2013 |