The approach is to use foundational materials science, structural design, thermal analysis, optic fabrication, and space systems engineering, and to...
Space
Award-winning monolithic optic design, mission operations support, telescopes, payload design, testing, and data science / artificial intelligence applications for space, drones, automotive, and defense uses. License state-of-the-art intellectual property or collaborate to create new applications for existing technologies.
People
Capabilities
Space Science Institute (SSI)
- Optical astronomy and cosmology
- X-ray and laboratory astrophysics
- Planetary science and instrumentation
- SmallSat capabilities (Monolithic and CODA telescopes, optical payloads)
Space Domain Awareness & Security
- Planetary defense and cosmochemistry
- Payload design and build
- Mission operations
- Adaptive optics
- Gamma-ray spectrometers
- X-ray and EUV optics
Cross-functional Programs
- Physics-based modeling and simulation
- High-performance computing (HPC) and data science
- Optics development
- Engineering test capabilities
- Astrophysics expertise
Facilities
Explore Technologies
IL-13823
Compact Space Telescopes
IL-13754
Rapid monolith development at scale is achieved through use of a functionally equivalent optic simulant made from a low-cost material to substitute...
Compact Space Telescopes
IL-13665
Aeroptics are a proposed new class of monolithic optical system in aerogel fabricated by molding around a master mandrel. This approach combines the...
Compact Space Telescopes
37918
Monolithic Telescopes are a novel implementation of a solid catadioptric design form, instantiated in a monolithic block of fused silica.
Compact Space Telescopes
24511
LLNL is developing the Space-based Telescopes for Actionable Refinement of Ephemeris (STARE). STARE is a constellation of low cost nano-satellites...
Compact Space Telescopes
Stories
LLNL optics system set to fly to the moon with Firefly Aerospace for Ocula imaging service
The collaboration between LLNL and Firefly, facilitated by the Laboratory’s Innovation and Partnerships Office (IPO), presents an emerging model for modern space missions, pairing national laboratory innovation and commercial capabilities to accelerate timelines and reduce cost.
Lab to provide optical payload for upcoming U.S. Space Force mission
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s (LLNL) Space Program is now building an optical space domain awareness payload for an upcoming mission by the U.S. Space Force.
Lab instrument now on two-billion-mile journey to the metallic asteroid Psyche
An instrument designed and built by LLNL researchers departed Earth last week on a two-billion-mile, nearly six-year journey through space to explore a rare, largely metal asteroid.
Tyvak and LLNL Release Earth and Space Images
Tyvak released the first images of objects in orbit and on the ground captured by telescopes developed with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
Tyvak Satellite on SpaceX Rideshare Mission Carries Tiny Space Telescope
A miniature space telescope developed by Tyvak Nano-Satillite Systems and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for possible commercial use, was launched into orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on May 15, 2021.
