Ruggedized Machine Vision Optics for Space, Satellite & CubeSat Applications

Space-based imaging systems demand compact, reliable vision components capable of operating in challenging environments. From the extreme vibration of launch to vacuum operation and exposure to radiation in orbit, cameras and lenses used in space applications require careful selection and engineering.

Kowa offers ruggedized machine vision lenses and cameras for space, satellite and CubeSat vision systems, with options designed to address requirements including vibration resistance, vacuum compatibility, compact size and, for selected products, radiation resistance.

Kowa vision components can support applications including star tracking, Earth observation and remote sensing, space debris detection, satellite imaging and CubeSat optical systems.

Machine Vision for Space Applications

  • Star Tracking

    Star trackers use images of stars to help determine the orientation and attitude of a spacecraft.

    Image quality, optical stability and compact dimensions can all be important considerations when selecting lenses and cameras for star-tracking systems.

    Kowa's range of compact, ruggedized lenses makes it possible to evaluate optics for star tracker applications where size, weight and resistance to mechanical shock and vibration are important design considerations.

  • Remote Sensing & Earth Observation

    Satellites use optical imaging systems to observe the Earth for applications ranging from environmental monitoring and mapping to infrastructure inspection and scientific research.

    Depending on the mission, these systems may require compact cameras and lenses capable of delivering detailed images while operating within the limited space and weight available aboard a satellite or CubeSat.

    Kowa offers a wide range of machine vision optics suitable for integration into compact imaging systems, with multiple focal lengths, sensor formats and optical configurations available.

  • Space Debris Detection

    The increasing number of satellites and objects in Earth orbit has made the detection and monitoring of orbital debris increasingly important.

    Vision systems can form part of debris detection and monitoring solutions, helping identify and image objects around a spacecraft.

    High-quality optics, compact dimensions and mechanical stability can be particularly valuable where the imaging system needs to operate reliably following the stresses associated with launch.

Ruggedized Lenses for Launch Vibration

Before an imaging system can operate in orbit, it first has to survive launch.

Rocket launches expose payloads to significant vibration and mechanical forces. Conventional machine vision optics may not be designed with these conditions in mind.

Kowa's ruggedized lens options, including selected V-Series lenses, are designed for increased resistance to shock and vibration.

A rugged mechanical design helps reduce the risk of lens settings moving when exposed to vibration, making these lenses particularly interesting for satellite, CubeSat and other aerospace imaging systems.

For mission-specific requirements, our team can discuss the appropriate lens configuration and qualification requirements with your engineers.

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Ruggedized Lenses for Space Applications

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Radiation-Resistant Optics for Space Imaging

Radiation can be an important consideration when designing optical systems for satellites and other spacecraft.

Prolonged radiation exposure can affect conventional optical materials and potentially reduce optical transmission and imaging performance over time.

The Kowa LM15FC-R is a specialist 15 mm radiation-resistant machine vision lens developed for applications where radiation exposure is a significant consideration.

Its radiation-resistant optical design makes the LM15FC-R particularly relevant to selected space, satellite and CubeSat imaging applications, depending on the expected orbit, radiation environment and operational lifespan of the mission.

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Compact Optics for CubeSat Vision Systems

CubeSats and small satellites place strict demands on every component within the imaging system. Size, weight and mechanical robustness are critical, particularly when equipment must withstand the shock and vibration associated with launch.

The Kowa JC5MC camera range is particularly well suited to applications where a compact and ruggedized machine vision camera is required. Its small form factor makes the JC5MC range an attractive option for space-constrained satellite and CubeSat designs, while its ruggedized construction provides additional mechanical stability for demanding environments.

Combined with Kowa’s compact and ruggedized machine vision lenses, the JC5MC range enables engineers to source both the camera and optics from Kowa, creating a compact vision solution tailored to the requirements of the application.

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Ultra Compact Ruggedized Lenses

Ruggedized Cameras for Space Vision Applications

Kowa also offers ruggedized machine vision cameras for demanding imaging applications, allowing engineers to consider the camera and optics together when developing a complete vision system for space, satellite and CubeSat applications.

Kowa’s ruggedized cameras feature a shockproof and vibration-resistant design, providing increased mechanical robustness for applications where imaging equipment may be exposed to significant shock and vibration. This is particularly relevant to space applications, where components must withstand the demanding mechanical conditions associated with launch.

The cameras also offer oil and water resistance, providing an additional level of protection and making them suitable for demanding machine vision environments where reliability and durability are important.

Combined with Kowa’s compact and ruggedized machine vision lenses, these cameras provide engineers with a robust platform for developing imaging systems for applications such as star tracking, Earth observation, remote sensing, space debris detection and CubeSat vision systems.

Depending on the project requirements, Kowa can help identify camera and lens combinations based on factors including:

  • Sensor size
  • Required resolution
  • Field of view
  • Working distance
  • Camera dimensions
  • Lens dimensions
  • Mechanical stability
  • Shock and vibration requirements
  • Vacuum requirements
  • Expected radiation environment
  • Mission duration
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Harsh Environment GiG-E Cameras

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Why Choose Kowa for Space Vision Optics?

  • Ruggedized Construction

    Selected Kowa V-Series lenses offer enhanced resistance to shock and vibration, an important consideration for optical systems exposed to launch conditions.

  • Radiation-Resistant Options

    The Kowa LM15FC-R provides a specialist radiation-resistant optical solution for applications where radiation exposure could affect conventional optics.

  • Vacuum Compatibility

    Many Kowa ruggedized lenses can be considered for vacuum applications, with additional customization capabilities available depending on the project.

  • Compact Size

    Compact machine vision lenses can help minimise the size and weight of satellite and CubeSat optical systems.

  • Optical Performance

    Kowa has extensive experience designing high-quality optics for demanding machine vision and specialist imaging applications.

  • Engineering Support

    Space projects rarely have completely standard requirements. Kowa can work with engineering teams to understand optical, mechanical and environmental requirements and investigate suitable standard or customized solutions.

Custom & Bespoke Vision Solutions for Space Applications

Not every space imaging application can be solved with an off-the-shelf camera or lens. Satellite and CubeSat projects can have highly specific requirements relating to optical performance, size, weight, environmental conditions and mechanical integration.

If the camera or lens you need is not available within our existing portfolio, Kowa can work with your engineering team to investigate a custom or bespoke vision solution for your application.

Drawing on Kowa’s extensive optical engineering experience, we can explore the development or modification of optics to meet specific project requirements. This could include adaptations to existing products or the development of bespoke optics designed around the needs of your imaging system.

Kowa Optics in Space: Application Examples

  • Hyperspectral Earth Observation – RITA / AlainSat-1

    Kowa LM16HC-V

    The ruggedized Kowa LM16HC-V was selected for the RITA hyperspectral imaging payload developed for the AlainSat-1 3U CubeSat. The compact 16 mm lens forms part of a near-infrared imaging system designed for Earth observation and vegetation monitoring from Low Earth Orbit.

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  • Ionospheric & Auroral Imaging – 3Cat-8 CubeSat

    Kowa LM25HC-V

    The Kowa LM25HC-V was selected for the imaging system aboard the 3Cat-8 6U CubeSat, designed to observe auroral emissions and support ionospheric research. The project also references successful previous use of Kowa HC-V optics, including performance under thermal-vacuum and shake-table testing.

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  • Custom Optics for Earth Observation – UNISAT-7

    Kowa LM100JC1MS / Custom Grease-Free Lens

    Kowa optics were selected for the OPT-0 Earth Observation payload aboard the UNISAT-7 small satellite. For this project, Kowa supplied a specially modified batch of lenses with grease removed from the internal moving components.

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  • Upper-Atmosphere Observation – VisionCube

    Kowa LM8JCM-V

    The ruggedized Kowa LM8JCM-V lens was incorporated into the VisionCube CubeSat's imaging system for observing Transient Luminous Events — electrical phenomena occurring high in the Earth's atmosphere. Its 8 mm focal length was selected to provide the field of view required by the mission's compact onboard observation system.

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  • Coastal & Ocean Observation – BeaverCube

    Kowa LM16JC

    The BeaverCube 3U CubeSat uses a Kowa LM16JC lens as part of its visible imaging payload for coastal and ocean observation. The lens was selected as part of a compact commercial imaging solution, with the project highlighting considerations including image quality, cost, size and integration into the CubeSat payload.

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  • Space Object Detection & Tracking

    Kowa LM60JS5MA

    Kowa optics have also been evaluated for CubeSat-based space situational awareness and orbital object detection. Research into electro-optical CubeSat constellations identified the Kowa LM60JS5MA as the preferred optical option for further analysis, with its light-gathering capability helping support the detection of faint objects in space.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Vision Systems for Space

Can Kowa lenses withstand rocket launch vibration?

Selected Kowa ruggedized lenses, including V-Series options, are designed for enhanced shock and vibration resistance. The suitability of a specific lens for a launch environment should be assessed against the vibration and qualification requirements of the individual mission.

Are Kowa lenses suitable for CubeSats?

Kowa's compact machine vision lenses can be attractive for CubeSat applications because of their small size, optical performance and availability in ruggedized configurations. Specialist products such as the radiation-resistant LM15FC-R can also be considered where the mission environment requires them.

What lens is suitable for a CubeSat camera?

The correct CubeSat lens depends on the camera sensor, required field of view, resolution, working distance or imaging distance, mechanical envelope and environmental requirements. Kowa offers multiple focal lengths and configurations and can help engineers identify potential options for a specific CubeSat imaging system.

Can machine vision cameras and lenses be used in space?

Yes. Machine vision technology can be used within satellite, CubeSat and other space imaging systems, provided the components are appropriate for the environmental and performance requirements of the mission. Factors such as launch vibration, vacuum, radiation exposure, temperature, size, weight and mission duration need to be considered.

What are machine vision cameras used for in space?

Space-based machine vision and imaging systems can be used for star tracking, Earth observation, remote sensing, debris detection, scientific imaging, navigation, spacecraft inspection and other satellite imaging applications.

Does Kowa make radiation-resistant lenses?

Yes. The Kowa LM15FC-R is a radiation-resistant 15 mm machine vision lens designed for applications where radiation exposure is a significant consideration. Suitability for a particular space mission depends on factors including radiation levels, orbit, shielding and mission duration.

Are Kowa lenses vacuum compatible?

Many Kowa V-Series lenses can be considered for vacuum applications. Kowa is also developing additional customization capabilities for specialist requirements, including modifications such as vent ports and changes to grease or lubrication. Specific requirements should be discussed with Kowa before product selection.

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