PRODUCTS

SteerLite Fast Steering Mirror (FSM)

Streamlined Precision in Beam Steering

Fast Steering Mirrors (FSMs) are strategic enablers in demanding applications such as optical communications, Earth observation imaging, medical imaging, and precision metrology. These systems depend on FSMs for beam steering to achieve the required functionalities, and performance.

With SteerLite, Kosmia is developing an innovative FSM that meets challenging demands while reducing complexity and cost — delivering streamlined precision in beam steering.

 

Unique FSM technology

Conventional FSMs typically rely on multiple discrete actuators, increasing part count, alignment complexity, and integration effort.

The SteerLite FSM introduces a patent pending distributed electromagnetic actuation principle:

  • Actuation forces are applied in a distributed, non-contact manner along a circumferential actuation path, where multiple Degrees of Freedom (DoF) motion is obtained by independent sectors control with fewer parts, simplified assembly, and greater robustness.

Key advantages

  • Reduced part count and simplified integration.
  • Scalable and repeatable manufacturing.
  • Enhanced thermal stability and mechanical resilience.
  • Cost-effective performance optimization across diverse applications.

This streamlined philosophy also applies to sensing. A fully integrated capacitive position sensing system measures tip, tilt, and piston within the same assembly, exploiting the central hollow space of the actuation layout.

Benefits include:

  • Non-contact, hysteresis-free operation.
  • High resolution with low noise.
  • Intrinsic thermal stability.

Together, these innovations provide precise multi-DoF control in a compact, robust, and affordable package—meeting the growing demand for high-performance FSMs in both space and terrestrial domains.

Development Program

The SteerLite FSM is progressing under a European Space Agency (ESA) technology development contract, following a structured roadmap toward commercial readiness:

  • Proof-of-Concept achieved – prototype successfully tested, validating actuation and sensing principles.
  • Engineering Model – next phase, focusing on performance optimization and manufacturability.
  • Qualification & Testing – environmental verification and design maturation for operational deployment.

Objective: deliver a robust, scalable, and cost-effective FSM platform suitable for institutional missions and commercial markets.

Customized FSM products

The SteerLite FSM is conceived as a modular and scalable platform, adaptable to customer-specific needs across space, telecom, medical, and industrial markets.

 

Technical Data & Customization Options

  • Mirror size / substrate: 20–60+ mm clear aperture; aluminum alloys, fused silica, or silicon carbide substrates.
  • Wave front error: λ/20 (633 nm).
  • Reflective coatings: broadband dielectric, protected silver, or gold (> 98% reflectivity, VIS–IR).
  • Degrees of freedom: tip/tilt with piston (standard), extendable by design.
  • Tilt/tilt range: up to ±2° mechanical, extendable.
  • Piston range: up to ±100 µm, extendable.
  • Performance: closed-loop bandwidth up to 1 kHz; sub-microradian pointing precision depending on bandwidth.
  • Form factor: envelope closely follows mirror diameter; overall height < mirror diameter.

 

Applications in Focus

  • Optical communication terminals (ground, airborne, or space).
  • Imaging payloads requiring line-of-sight stabilization.
  • Medical imaging and precision metrology.
  • Laser processing and industrial inspection.