Ultra-lightweight space cameras deliver maximum performance in a compact design. This is crucial for spacecraft launches, where weight is at a premium, and every gram must be accounted for. However, quality must not be compromised.
Ultra-lightweight space cameras use advanced materials to achieve high performance with minimal weight. They have been designed to accommodate radiation shielding while maintaining low power consumption and the ability to operate reliably across a wide range of temperatures.
This article highlights the key features of lightweight space cameras, focusing on how these elements work together to deliver the high-level functionality needed for space missions.
Ultra lightweight space cameras come with unique challenges— but they also open the door to unique opportunities. Image Credit: Avantier Inc.
Space Environments
Space cameras are built for use in extreme environments. They often operate 100 to 200 miles above the Earth’s surface at a similar altitude to polar-orbiting satellites. These satellites circle the Earth and pass over a specific location twice a day—once during the night and once during the day.
Their trajectory leads them to experience extreme temperature variations throughout the day, potentially ranging from -50 °C to 50 °C.
The atmosphere is thin, and the satellite is constantly exposed to potentially harmful radiation. Yet, cameras mounted on a polar satellite can capture detailed images of storms, wildfires, volcanoes, and various other events on Earth.
Features of Optics for Ultra Lightweight Space Cameras
A space camera must be both robust and powerful to function effectively under extreme conditions. These challenges are not limited to space itself; the camera must also feature a specialized athermalized design and durable housing to endure the intense vibrations and rapid acceleration of launch events, which could distort anything but the most optimized housing.
Ultra lightweight space cameras contain high performance optics in a compact package. Image Credit: Avantier Inc
Ultra-lightweight space cameras include a number of key features:
Minimized Mass
The use of specialized materials enables the development of cameras that are both light and strong. These materials typically include carbon fiber, titanium, and advanced composites. Using these materials, it is also possible to achieve full power while maintaining a small footprint with minimum mass.
Space cameras are designed with minimal mechanical and electronic components for a number of reasons beyond size and weight considerations. Eliminating electric and moving parts reduces the chance of failure. This also extends the time required between servicing and maintenance.
High-Performance Optics
While a space camera must be compact and small, it should also be able to acquire high-quality images. Precise design coupled with the use of high-quality lenses, mirrors, and sensors enables these cameras to capture clear, high-resolution images of their environment.
Another common feature of space cameras is folding mirrors, which can retract when not in use.
Radiation Shielding
Multiple layers of the atmosphere protect the Earth from harmful radiation, but a camera operating in space is exposed to much higher levels. Therefore, all delicate optical components must be adequately shielded by radiation-protective housing and thin films.
Low Power Consumption
Space cameras should be designed to use a minimum of energy because they are generally required to function on battery power only. Techniques used to optimize the power-to-performance ratios of space cameras include using low-power electronics and eliminating unnecessary features.
A quality space camera will allow its operator to take as many high-quality images as possible, even with minimal battery life.
Thermal Stability
iPhone camera users who have taken their devices to extreme environments, such as Florida beaches or Swiss ski slopes, may have noticed that their hardware struggles at extreme temperatures. In contrast, a space camera is engineered to function optimally across a wide temperature range, whether in extreme heat, cold, or anything in between.
Thermal stability for space operations is achieved through the careful selection of substrates and mounting materials. Rigorous testing ensures reliable and consistent performance once the camera reaches its final position.
Optics for Space Cameras at Avantier
Avantier specializes in providing high-performance custom optics for its customers, and its range of space cameras is no exception.
Whether a camera is destined for use in a polar-orbiting satellite or a telescope mounted on a high-altitude UAV, Avantier can provide a robust, powerful camera solution to meet the needs of the application in question.
Acknowledgments
Produced from materials originally authored by Avantier Inc.
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Avantier Inc.
For more information on this source, please visit Avantier Inc.