Resolve Optics, a leading designer and international supplier of ruggedized lenses and optical systems for spaceborne applications, offers the following information regarding ruggedized lenses for launched space systems.
The cost of launching payloads into space is considerable, incorporating only ‘space ready’ ruggedized lenses or optical systems into your satellite or space observation system is therefore critical for achieving longer term, high-performance operation.
During launch into space, lenses in high precision instruments and cameras are subject to vibration and shock. While slight vibration might cause malfunction in lenses, severe vibration can result in damage that is beyond repair. Shock waves are also highly detrimental to the performance and operation of high precision optical devices.
To minimize the effects of vibration and shock it is advisable to keep your optical components small and light. The less mass you have the less effect vibration and shock will have. To stop components in your optical system from moving requires that all parts are retained as tightly as possible and that retaining rings cannot work loose. This can be done by staking the retaining rings so that they cannot come loose.
However, if your required optical components are heavier then it may be preferential to bond all the elements in position. Consequently, the mechanical design of space ready optics must consider the mass of the elements and determine what method of retaining is required. Also, importantly, the effects of vibration and shock must be considered across the operating temperature range of space launch to ensure optical components cannot become loose due to temperature cycling.
Over the last 20 years, Resolve Optics has developed the expertise to design ruggedized lenses and optical systems proven to withstand the vibration effects and shocks encountered during launch. To ensure all ruggedized lenses and optical systems produced can withstand the launch vibration and shock profile provided by the customer, Resolve Optics has invested in in-house testing equipment.
To learn more about ruggedized lenses for space projects please watch the video at this direct link…
For more than 20 years, Resolve Optics has developed a customer centric approach to specialist lens design, development and supply. The company prides itself on nearly three decades of quickly translating each customer need into an optimized optical design, running projects successfully, and manufacturing production quantities of lenses or optical products on time, to the specified quality and target price.
