Mirrosphere Optics celebrates 20 Years with thin travel telescope

Mirrosphere Optics, a French manufacturer of precision optical instruments, has introduced a lightweight, full-carbon travel telescope to commemorate its 20th anniversary. The company, founded and led by optical engineer François Meyer, has become known for its high-precision mirrors and optical systems used by telescope makers and astronomy enthusiasts throughout Europe.

The new model, inspired by the work of amateur telescope builder L. Bourasseau, combines advanced carbon fiber construction with compact portability. Designed to fit in a laptop-sized case, the instrument weighs under eight kilograms and houses 250 mm f/4 optics. The concept reflects Mirrosphere Optics’ continued focus on innovation rooted in craftsmanship and precision.
Above photo credit: Mirrosphere Optics

Precision optics and portable design

The newly introduced thin travel telescope is a 250 mm f/4 carbon telescope designed to be easily transportable while maintaining optical quality. Measuring approximately 32 by 39.5 by 6.5 centimeters, it can be carried as cabin luggage on an airplane. This level of portability represents a significant advancement in the design of professional-grade telescopes, traditionally known for their bulk and fragility.

Mirrosphere Optics crafted the primary mirror in-house using the same methods applied to larger optical systems ranging from 200 mm to 600 mm, typically with focal ratios from f/3 to f/8. The carbon construction not only reduces weight but also minimizes thermal expansion, a critical factor for maintaining optical alignment during rapid temperature changes common in nighttime observation.

The company states that the design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, making it ideal for astronomers who travel to dark-sky locations or conduct field imaging projects. Despite its portability, the telescope retains the precision and surface accuracy expected from professional-grade instruments.

A collaboration rooted in innovation

The development of this thin travel telescope originated with French amateur designer L. Bourasseau, who pioneered the concept of a collapsible, ultralight carbon telescope. Recognizing the innovation behind Bourasseau’s design, François Meyer sought and received permission to adapt it for commercial production.

Meyer introduced several refinements to improve manufacturing efficiency and material performance while maintaining the spirit of Bourasseau’s original concept. This collaboration demonstrates how innovation within the amateur astronomy community can influence professional optical engineering, bridging a long-standing tradition of shared knowledge between enthusiasts and industry experts.

Photo credit: Mirrosphere Optics

Two decades of craftsmanship and contribution

Since its founding, Mirrosphere Optics has established itself as a specialist in precision optics for astronomy and research. The company produces mirrors and components for several European telescope manufacturers, including Sud Dobson, Dobson Factory, Axis Instruments, DOC Telescope, Alcor System, and others.

Mirrosphere’s workshops are equipped with interferometric testing facilities that ensure sub-micron accuracy in mirror surfaces. Over the years, the firm has contributed to the optical systems used in both custom telescopes and professional observatories.

The anniversary telescope underscores the company’s ability to evolve with material technologies while retaining traditional optical craftsmanship. Its production illustrates Mirrosphere’s continuing role in advancing accessible, high-performance astronomical instruments for both professionals and dedicated amateurs.

Expanding the product line

Mirrosphere Optics has announced that its next major release will be the T4, a 400 mm f/4 full-carbon telescope expected to weigh approximately 18 kilograms. This larger successor builds upon the same lightweight design principles introduced in the T³ thin travel telescope, providing increased aperture without a significant increase in transport complexity.

The company’s move toward full-carbon optical structures aligns with the broader trend in modern astronomy equipment—where reduced weight and mechanical rigidity allow for more efficient imaging and simplified mounting solutions. For users conducting astrophotography or deep-sky observation, the advantage lies in achieving stable imaging under varying environmental conditions.

By integrating high-precision optics into lightweight frames, Mirrosphere aims to make large-aperture systems more practical for mobile use, expanding possibilities for fieldwork and expedition-based observation.

In addition to telescope production, Mirrosphere continues to collaborate with observatories, universities, and advanced optics developers seeking custom mirror fabrication. Its growing influence in both professional and amateur markets illustrates how specialized expertise can thrive through steady innovation and commitment to quality. The anniversary model stands not only as a technical achievement but as evidence of how small-scale precision manufacturing can maintain global relevance in a rapidly evolving field.

New T³ Thin Travel Telescopes as Mirrosphere Optics celebrates 20 Years

The 20th-anniversary release of the thin travel telescope symbolizes both a technical and cultural milestone for Mirrosphere Optics. It reflects how the company’s dedication to precision craftsmanship continues to evolve with new materials, design methods, and collaborations.

By combining carbon-fiber engineering with expert mirror fabrication, Mirrosphere Optics demonstrates that portability need not come at the expense of performance. The result is a tool that honors the company’s twenty-year heritage while pointing toward the future of travel-ready, high-quality astronomy instruments.

From its origins in France to its collaborations with telescope makers and amateur innovators, Mirrosphere Optics continues to uphold the same guiding principle that has defined its work since inception: precision built on passion and practicality.