A case study from Resolve Optics describes how a radiation resistant zoom lens on the space-based inspection tool – the Visual Inspection Poseable Invertebrate Robot (VIPIR) — enabled NASA to examine an unexplained discoloration on their Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS).
Micrometeoroid and orbital debris are a constant threat for orbiting satellites. These tiny natural or man-made items, traveling through space at speeds that can exceed 20,000 mph, can damage spacecraft, puncture instruments and disrupt operations.
Resolve Optics radiation resistant lenses are designed to provide high image resolution and minimum geometric distortion from 400 to 750 nm. All optical elements within these non-browning lens designs are made using cerium oxide doped glass or synthetic silica enabling them to withstand radiation doses of up to 100,000,000 rads and temperatures up to 55°C without discoloration or degradation of performance.
“The results from VIPIR were phenomenal,” said Ron Ticker of NASA. “From a distance of approximately eight inches, VIPIR was able to resolve details as small as three-thousandths of an inch – about ten times thinner than the thickness of a credit card. From VIPIR’s footage, we were able to discern that the black mark on the SSRMS was. in fact .a raised mass at the inspection site.”
To read case study 18 in full, please visit www.resolveoptics.com/successful-visual-inspection-of-the-space-station-robot-arm/