Exosens: Its Micro Pore Optics Deployed on ESA's SMILE Mission
Exosens announced on Monday that its Micro Pore Optics (MPOs) have been integrated into the X-ray imaging instrument of the SMILE (Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer) mission, launched by the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The launch took place on May 19, 2026.
32 High-Precision Optics for Magnetosphere Observation
Exosens' Micro Pore Optics, manufactured at the Brive-la-Gaillarde facility in France, were selected for the Soft X-ray Imager (SXI), the largest instrument aboard SMILE. These 32 optics enable the X-ray telescope to capture wide-field images of the interaction between the solar wind and Earth's magnetic environment.
The SXI instrument, developed and built by the University of Leicester, is the technological heart of the mission. For the first time, SMILE will be able to provide detailed and long-term X-ray observations of the Earth's magnetosphere's response to space weather phenomena.
Lobster-Eye Inspired Design to Optimize X-ray Capture
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The optical architecture of the SXI is inspired by the structure of a lobster's eye, using a dense array of square microchannels to channel X-ray light to two detectors. This design is based on Exosens' MPO technology, which provides high-precision X-ray focusing in a compact and low-mass volume.
The optics operate by total reflection at grazing incidence within the uniformly coated microporous channels of iridium, allowing efficient and precise collection of X-ray light. This approach represents a highly effective alternative to conventional X-ray optics, thanks to nearly perfect internal flatness and very low roughness.
Exosens' Position Strengthened in Space Optical Solutions
The selection of Exosens' MPOs for SMILE demonstrates the maturity and reliability of the group's optical technologies in the most demanding environments. Ulrich Laupper, President of the Ultimate Detection Business Unit at Exosens, stated that this integration 'testifies to the expertise and dedication of [our] team. Space missions demand the highest levels of innovation, precision, and reliability.'
This integration reaffirms Exosens' role as a leading provider for next-generation space instrumentation and consolidates its position as a trusted partner for advanced photonic solutions.
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