Optical alignment system, such as for an orbiting camera

A method for adjusting an optical system of a telescope in a satellite, wherein the optical system is misaligned after launch of the satellite, the method comprising:

• obtaining at least one image captured by the optical system of the telescope, wherein the captured image is of at least one star;
• analyzing the at least one image captured by the optical system of the telescope;
• generating adjustment signals to control at least one actuator to move at least one movable element in the optical system and perform positional correction of the optical system,
• wherein the positional correction of the optical system is not just a focusing of the optical system, and
• wherein the moving of the at least one movable element consists essentially of moving at least one entire or discrete element in the optical system of the telescope, and not moving or deforming a portion of an optical element in the optical system.

A system for adjusting an optical system, wherein the optical system is misaligned after deployment, the system comprising:

• means for obtaining at least one image captured by the optical system;
• means for analyzing the at least one image captured by the optical system;
• and,
• means for generating adjustment signals to control at least one actuator to move at least one movable element in the optical system and perform positional correction of the optical system based on the analysis of the at least one image, wherein the positional correction of the optical system is not solely a focusing of the optical system, and wherein the moving of the at least one movable element consists essentially of moving at least one entire or discrete element in the optical system, and not moving or deforming a portion of an optical element in the optical system.

A remotely adjustable optical system, comprising:

• an optical assembly having at least one discrete movable optical element, and having an imaging element for generating an image;
• an adjustment assembly having at least one actuator coupled to the movable optical element of the optical assembly;
• a housing for carrying the optical assembly and the adjustment assembly as a unit,
• wherein the housing, the optical assembly, and the adjustment assembly are configured to be positioned in space or in an environment hazardous to humans, and
• wherein the optical assembly is misaligned when positioned in space or in the hazardous environment;
• at least one memory for storing data generated by the imaging element;
• at least one processor coupled to the memory,
• wherein the processor is configured to execute an optical alignment program to:
• analyze the stored data, and
• provide adjustment signals to the actuator based on the analysis of the stored image to cause the actuator to actuate the movable optical element and align the optical assembly;
• wherein the alignment of the optical assembly is not a focusing of the optical assembly or is not solely a focusing of the optical assembly.

A remotely adjustable optical system carried by a housing, the remotely adjustable optical system, comprising:

• multiple support trusses each secured at one end to a movable optical element of the optical system;
• multiple connection members each secured to a free end of one of the multiple support trusses;
• multiple flexures each secured between one of the connection members and the housing;
• and
• multiple actuators each secured to the housing and coupled to one end of one of the multiple connection members.