Optical characterization of the photometric observations of exoplanet transits (POET) telescope in space-like conditions

POET is a proposed Canadian Microsatellite mission to detect new, potentially habitable, rocky planets transiting low-mass stars, and to characterize the atmospheres of known transitioning extrasolar planets. With the support of the Space Technology Development Program (STDP) of the Canadian Space Agency, the all-reflective telescope has been designed and built. The prototype underwent complete integration and high-level optical testing. This paper presents the full optical performance results at room temperature and in ambient pressure, including ensquared energy, distortion, and Effective Focal Length (EFL) measurement, and the results from the thermal-vacuum campaign. POET is a collaboration between Bishop’s University, Western University, ABB and SFL-UTIAS.