Innovative concept study on a 6.5m-class ultrawide-field camera overcoming the limitations of ground-based assembly and testing

The development of large-aperture space telescopes and high-performance Earth observation cameras has been hindered by the need for ground-based assembly, alignment, and performance validation, requiring extensive facilities and significant investment. This study proposes a revolutionary 6.5m-class ultra-wide-field camera capable of achieving highresolution Earth observation while eliminating the need for full ground-based optical alignment. Instead, we introduce an autonomous on-orbit assembly and alignment system that drastically reduces costs and development time. The study presents the top-level requirements, initial optical and optomechanical design reflecting these requirements, and a novel automated multi-field alignment algorithm. The system enables simplified integration using an Integrated Metrology System on the ground, followed by precision alignment in space, setting a new paradigm for large-scale space optics development. This approach offers a transformative advancement in the cost-effective deployment of ultra-large aperture camera systems.