METimage is the Visible/Infrared Imaging mission (VII) on METOP-SG series, providing moderate resolution optical imaging of atmosphere and surface variables in multiple spectral channels ranging from 0.443 to 13.345 µm with a spatial sampling of 500 m. The instrument was developed by an industrial team led by Airbus Defense and Space GmbH on behalf of the German Space Administration Deutsches Zentrum für Luft und Raumfahrt (DLR) with funds from the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure and co-funded by EUMETSAT under DLR Contract No. 50EW1521. Hensoldt Optronics GmbH designed and manufactured two main components for the METimage instrument: the hyperspectral filter assemblies and the refractive relay infrared optics. The components are challenged by harsh environmental loads, while maximum optical performance must be met for precise data collection. Optics mounting was realized by sophisticated glue-free design, which had to be tested for long term sturdiness, stability and optical performance at cryo-vacuum conditions. Therefore, a well-tailored assembly and testing procedure was developed, based on an Optical Ground Support Equipment (OGSE) capable of illuminating and sensing wavefront errors at multiple MWIR and LWIR wavelength. After 6 years of development the project comes to an end and at the beginning of 2022 all flight models are delivered. Hensoldt Optronics GmbH shares in this paper insights into the testing strategies and setups for the relay optics. The design and functionality of the used OGSE is explained as also the importance of the accompanying optical modelling.
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