CubeSat Optical Systems: Design Theory and Multiphysics Workflow Introduction

Overview

For decades, optical systems developed for low, medium, and high Earth orbit required custom packaging form factors and opto-mechanics designed on a system-by-system basis creating cost barriers and extended development timelines.

CubeSats have emerged as a powerful platform for space missions by enabling rapid, cost-effective deployment of imaging, communication, and scientific payloads. As mission requirements continue to grow, engineers must address the coupled effects of structural, thermal, optical, and control-system behavior to ensure overall spacecraft performance and reliability.

This webinar explores how multiphysics simulation can be used throughout the CubeSat development process to gain deeper insight into system behavior and inform design decisions early in the product lifecycle. Particular emphasis will be placed on optical payload performance, highlighting the challenge of line-of-sight (LOS) jitter and its impact on image quality and pointing stability in small satellite systems.

What Attendees Will Learn

• Understand how multiphysics simulation can be applied throughout the CubeSat development process to support design decisions early in the product lifecycle.
• Identify the coupled effects of structural, thermal, optical, and control-system behavior on CubeSat performance and reliability.
• Explain the role of multiphysics simulation in gaining deeper insight into overall spacecraft system behavior.
• Evaluate the impact of line-of-sight (LOS) jitter on optical payload performance, image quality, and pointing stability in small satellite systems.
• Recognize key challenges associated with designing optical payloads for CubeSat missions and how simulation can help address them.

Who Should Attend

• Optical Engineers
• Photonics Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Optomechanical Engineers
• Satellite System Engineers
• Optical System Designers

Speaker

• Mojtaba Falahati, Applications Engineering, Staff Engineer