Imaging Optical Assemblies
Complete optical assemblies are self-contained optical instruments designed to deliver a defined optical function as an integrated unit.
Space-qualified optical assemblies for imaging payloads
Astravon develops imaging optical assemblies for satellite payloads and spaceborne instruments where optical performance, environmental resilience and verification discipline must be considered together.
Our assemblies are engineered for applications across Earth observation, defence, scientific instrumentation and space exploration. From initial optical architecture through to manufacture, alignment, integration and environmental verification, we provide an end-to-end engineering route tailored to mission requirements.
Rather than treating a lens or objective as an isolated component, we assess the full optical and mechanical context: detector interface, spectral band, field of view, radiometric performance, stray-light control, thermal behaviour, mass, envelope and the intended operating environment.
Imaging Lenses & Objectives
Custom optical assemblies for detector-based imaging payloads, from compact camera lenses to long focal-length objectives and telescope-derived optical trains.
Astravon designs and delivers imaging lenses and objectives around payload-level requirements. Whether the programme calls for a compact wide-field camera lens, a high-resolution imaging objective, a long focal-length optical train or a tailored solution for a specific detector architecture, the assembly is developed in the context of the complete instrument.
Our work can include optical design, opto-mechanical design, tolerance analysis, material selection, coating definition, precision manufacture, assembly, alignment and verification. Where a standard or previously developed optical architecture is technically suitable, it may be evaluated as a starting point for a programme-specific assembly. Availability and suitability are confirmed on request.
Optical performance
- Spectral range: VNIR: 400–1000 nm
- Effective focal length: Defined by mission requirement
- F-number: Defined by mission requirement
- Field of view: Defined by mission requirement
- MTF: ≥0.2 @ Nyquist
- Wavefront error: ≤λ/10 RMS
- Distortion: ≤0.1%Relative illumination: ≥80% at edge
- Stray-light performance: PST ≤ 10⁻⁶
Mechanical and detector interface
- Entrance pupil / clear aperture: Defined by mission requirement
- Detector format and interface: Defined by mission requirement
- Mass: Defined by mission requirement
- Envelope: Defined by mission requirement
- Mounting interface: Defined by mission requirement
- Focus mechanism or fixed-focus configuration: Defined by mission requirement
Environmental and verification
- Operating and non-operating temperature range: Defined by mission requirement
- Thermal-vacuum conditions: Defined by mission requirement
- Vibration and shock requirements: Defined by mission requirement
- Radiation considerations: Defined by mission requirement
- Environmental verification level: Defined by mission requirement
Typical applications
- Earth observation payloads
- High-resolution imaging instruments
- Star-field and navigation imaging systems
- Space situational awareness
- Scientific cameras and instruments
- Defence and security payloads
- Planetary and exploration missions
Multispectral & Hyperspectral Optical Assemblies
Astravon supplies the optical assemblies within multispectral and hyperspectral payload architectures. This may include fore-optics, imaging objectives, relay optics and spectral-band-specific optical interfaces.
Our work is centred on the optical and opto-mechanical elements that support the selected payload architecture. The full instrument may also include spectral separation, detector, calibration, readout and processing subsystems that are defined at programme level.
We develop assemblies across the following spectral regions:
- VNIR
- NIR
- SWIR
- MWIR
- LWIR
The appropriate optical solution is defined around the selected imaging approach, detector technology, spectral separation method, spatial sampling requirement and environmental constraints. This allows the optical design to be evaluated alongside the interfaces and performance budgets that affect payload-level results.
Spectral and imaging performance
- Spectral range: VNIR to LWIR
- Number of bands / channels: Up to 200+ channels, defined by mission
- Centre wavelength and bandwidth per channel: Custom per channel, typical bandwidth 5–20 nm FWHM
- Spectral resolution: 5–20 nm typical, depending on channel and dispersion
- Spectral registration: ≤ 0.1 pixel
- Spatial resolution / ground sampling requirement: Mission-dependent
- Field of view: Mission-dependent, typical 10°–60°
- MTF across field and spectral band: ≥ 0.2 @ Nyquist frequency
- Stray-light and out-of-band rejection: PST ≤ 10⁻⁶ (out-of-band), with filter/grating rejection
Architecture and interfaces
- Imaging architecture: Pushbroom, whiskbroom, or staring, selectable
- Detector type, format and interface: CMOS, CCD, InGaAs, or MCT
- Fore-optics / relay-optics interface: Defined by overall instrument layout, typically telecentric
- Spectral separation approach: Prism, grating, or filter-wheel (customised)
- Mass, envelope and mounting interface: Mission-defined; typical mass < 10 kg, envelope per payload constraints
Thermal and verification
- Operating and non-operating temperature range: Operating: -20°C to +60°C (typical); Non-operating: -40°C to +85°C
- Thermal stability / focus shift requirement: ≤ ±0.1 nm/°C
- Athermalisation approach, where applicable: Passive athermalisation using matched CTE materials, active options on requestThermal-vacuum, vibration and shock requirements: Per ECSS or equivalent
- Calibration and verification approach: On-ground radiometric/spectral calibration
Athermalised LWIR Lens Assemblies
For LWIR imaging systems, thermal stability can be a defining design constraint. Astravon can develop athermalised LWIR lens assemblies intended to manage focus and image-quality variation across the required temperature range without relying solely on active compensation.
The appropriate athermalisation strategy depends on the optical prescription, materials, mechanical architecture, thermal environment and allowable performance variation. These factors are assessed through optical, thermal and opto-mechanical analysis before the design is taken into manufacture and verification.
From optical requirement to verified assembly
Spaceborne optical performance is shaped by the interaction between optical prescription, mechanical design, materials, coatings, assembly process and environmental conditions. Astravon manages these interfaces through a structured engineering process.
Our support can include:
- Requirements definition and optical architecture studies
- Optical, opto-mechanical and thermal analysis
- Tolerance analysis and performance budgeting
- Material and coating selection
- Stray-light assessment
- Precision manufacture and metrology
- Assembly, alignment and test
- Integration support at subsystem or payload level
- Environmental test planning and verification support
Qualification status is defined at programme level and depends on the mission environment, applicable standards, verification plan and acceptance criteria.
Where programme evidence is subject to confidentiality restrictions, detailed heritage information may not be publicly available. We can discuss relevant experience, technical approach and verification pathways within the appropriate NDA framework.
Discuss your imaging optical requirements
Early engagement is recommended where optical performance, thermal behaviour, detector selection and mechanical packaging are interdependent.
If you are defining a new satellite payload, upgrading an imaging instrument or assessing the feasibility of a space-qualified optical assembly, Astravon can support the technical definition from the earliest design stage.
Every design decision is supported by analysis, test planning and traceable verification appropriate to the programme.