Wyvern secures patent for deployable optics system architecture

Telescopes designed with deployable optics are compactly folded during launch and only unfold – or deploy – once safely in orbit. As remote sensing image quality metrics like signal-to-noise ratio and ground resolution scale with an increasing telescope aperture size, and deployable optics can accommodate a larger aperture as compared to a fixed telescope of the same volume and mass, this unfolding architecture allows for better performance in a smaller, cheaper-to-launch package.

Wyvern’s patented technology includes various realizations of a deployable optics telescope within a small satellite, representing a significant advancement towards Wyvern’s envisioned fully deployed system in low-Earth orbit. The invention includes a novel configuration which, alongside a deployable secondary mirror, allows you to pack a large focal length mirror inside a small package while optimizing the space for a primary mirror. More importantly, the description includes embodiments which can increase mission reliability using a combination of fixed and deployed mirror segments. With this new patent, Wyvern demonstrates its commitment to creating cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of the Earth observation sector, and this is just the beginning.

"This patent underscores our dedication to driving innovation in remote sensing to expand its applicability and availability commercially. Our deployable optical systems will be a game-changer for the broader Earth observation market."

Christine Tovee, CTO at Wyvern, expressed enthusiasm about the patent granting, stating, “This patent underscores our dedication to driving innovation in remote sensing to expand its applicability and availability commercially. Our deployable optical systems will be a game-changer for the broader Earth observation market.” The patent for this deployable optics architecture marks the start of Wyvern’s patent portfolio. Wyvern aims to strengthen it with additional patents protecting key enabling technologies for deployable optics as well as others related to optimization of the entire hyperspectral processing chain.

Kristen Cote, VP of Research & Development and Co-Founder of Wyvern, reinforced this: “We are focused on a robust innovation and capture process that aims to identify key intellectual property, which once protected, can serve as a strong foundation for sustained growth.” Wyvern takes a global perspective on generating and managing intellectual property – this first U.S. patent is just the tip of the iceberg.

About Wyvern

Wyvern is an Edmonton-based satellite imagery company offering hyperspectral imagery using novel optical technology. First to market with this technology, Wyvern is unlocking new insights for industries such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and energy. For more information about commercial uses of hyperspectral data, visit the Wyvern Knowledge Centre.