Raytheon Intelligence & Space is constructing a large-aperture telescope intended for the Lazuli Space Observatory, a project led by Schmidt Sciences. The company has completed an accelerated preliminary design review for the instrument, which is currently in production and scheduled for delivery in 2028.
The telescope features an off-axis primary mirror with a diameter of 3.1 meters. Raytheon describes this as the largest unobscured aperture ever launched on a commercial platform. The design utilizes advanced materials and adaptive architectures to maintain stability without requiring time to adjust to temperature fluctuations during its orbit.
A key component of the system is an auto-alignment technology that continuously optimizes optical performance without manual intervention. This capability, validated through digital twin simulations and optical engineering, aims to provide sharper imagery and greater sensitivity. The system is designed to support on-orbit tuning to enhance scientific observations of distant planets, dynamic astrophysical events, and cosmic signals.
Jeff McCall, vice president of Mission Solutions & Payloads at Raytheon, stated that the company is applying proven technology to ensure the production speed, reliability, and adaptability required for the observatory. He noted that the large-aperture systems deliver capabilities suitable for demanding space environments.
The Lazuli initiative was announced by Schmidt Sciences, which was co-founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt, at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society. The organization aims to create the first full-scale privately funded space telescope, with a primary mirror larger than that of NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.
The project is part of the broader Schmidt Observatory System, which seeks to combine development with open data access to reduce barriers to participation in frontier astronomy.