Sharing this picture, because they are just so pretty. These are flight-model ruby laser assemblies for the Darkstar laser downlink terminal. They are not the main communications lasers (nor technically are they ruby lasers), but are low-power metrology lasers used to measure the attitude of the internal fine-steering mirror for realtime control. The ruby operates simultaneously as an optical lens and as a mechanical pivot point. Between these, the diamonds in the reaction wheel bearings, and the gold that coats pretty much every surface, this lab feels like a game of Splendor. |
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