Resolve Optics has supplied an initial batch of 10 flight ready lenses to a manufacturer of compact camera cores designed to withstand launch conditions and maintain optical performance while being exposed to the extreme operating conditions experienced in the space environment. Designed to operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) – the cameras with integrated flight ready lenses will be installed on satellites operating at altitudes of between 160 to 2,000 kilometres and flying at approximately 17,000 mph.

Rob Watkinson, sales manager at Resolve Optics commented “We were approached by the camera core manufacturer to develop a new 6mm lens for use in space. The lens needed to be radiation resistant to withstand prolonged use in space, athermalized to deliver consistent performance across a wide temperature range and ruggedised to withstand the rigors of launch. Due to the camera core manufacturers tight delivery requirements designing a new optimised lens from scratch was not an option. Using the pre-existing optical design from our 6mm fixed focus radiation resistant nuclear lens, we redesigned the mechanics to produce a new space ready lens which would be suitable. This approach allowed us to develop a new camera optimised lens in a fraction of the time that would have been required for designing a lens from the ground up”.

Designed to provide uncompromised performance on the customers radiation resistant camera the new 6mm focal length fixed focus lens delivers a high quality, large aperture (f/2) image and minimal geometric distortion from 400–750 nm. Manufactured to the highest quality standards from cerium doped glass, the new space ready lens can withstand radiation exposure of up to 1 MGy (100,000,000 rads) and temperatures up to 55 degrees centigrade without discoloration.

Designing and producing optics for use in space is a highly specialised area where expertise and experience are critical. Resolve Optics has been supplying lenses and optical systems for space applications for over 15 years. During this period, the company has acquired a considerable amount of knowledge with regards to the do’s and don’ts of designing for this harsh environment.

Click here to learn more about Resolve Optics' Camera Optimised Space Ready Lenses