Systems and methods for illumination and observation

An aerial surveillance and reconnaissance system, comprising:

• a primary optical system having a primary mirror disposed to collect incoming light passing through a primary aperture, a secondary mirror disposed to receive the reflected light from the primary mirror, and a secondary aperture in the primary mirror;
• a secondary optical system comprising:
• a movable mirror having a first position and a second position, wherein the first position is configured to direct inbound light received from the secondary mirror to a first detector having sensitivity to ultraviolet light, and positioned functionally behind an ultraviolet bandpass filter, wherein the second position is configured to direct inbound light received from the secondary mirror to a second detector having sensitivity to visible light, and wherein the movable mirror is configured to transition between the first position and the second position when commanded;
• a deformable mirror functionally disposed between the secondary aperture and the movable mirror, wherein the deformable mirror is configured to provide optical correction under computer control, and wherein the computer control is based on a predictive algorithm utilizing atmospheric factors;
• and
• an ultraviolet laser illumination system capable of sending laser illumination out through the secondary aperture.