Advances and new perspectives of optical systems and technologies for aerospace applications: a comprehensive review

The aerospace industry is a very unforgiving field, where even the smallest error could have catastrophic consequences. To reduce the risk of disaster, multiple systems are put into place to provide accurate information for informed decision making. The field of optics has played a pivotal role in advancing space exploration and technology. From enabling precise observations of distant celestial objects to facilitating communication across vast interstellar distances, optics has become an indispensable tool in space science and supported by significant advances in the last few years, new and improved applications continue to arise. This review aims to explore the diverse applications of optical systems and technologies in the aerospace industry, highlighting recent developments regarding navigation, communications, process and structural health monitoring, as well as the monitorization of astronauts' health.