Stand-alone cameras
These miniature, ruggedized NTSC and PAL color video cameras image
dynamic events in harsh environments from onboard rockets, spacecraft and other remote platforms. This
internally-mounted model is used to obtain video of separations and deployments from the launch vehicle,
and to provide ongoing confirmation of spacecraft deployments and status from orbit. These cameras
perform well even with the Sun in the FOV, providing fast response to step changes in illumination.
Pod-mounted cameras
Externally-mounted NTSC and PAL color video cameras in pods or fairings
are used to image rockets during ascent, providing video of engine plumes and the receding Earth, along
with stage and fairing separation and spacecraft deployment events, while obtaining valuable
engineering confirmation of vehicle dynamics and status.
High-definition cameras
To meet higher resolution imaging requirements, high-definition video
cameras using 1 Megapixel+ sensors are employed. Tailored control and data-transport electronics allow
the user to manipulate frame rate, compression level and data buffering to match available data
throughput and downlink constraints.
High-speed cameras
High-speed video cameras are used to capture critical, short-lived events such
as rocket staging, fairing separation, payload separation, parachute deployments and other important
mechanical operations. Frames rates as high as 200 frames/sec are supported, with appropriate data
buffering and formatting.
LWIR cameras
Similar to the NTSC and PAL cameras above, miniature uncooled LWIR video cameras
capture key scenes and events in the 8 to 12 micron wavelength band. Such coverage is useful for
understanding thermal and radiometric data including plume phenomenology, separation events, chuff
tracks and other dynamic phenomena. These cameras can be mounted in simple brackets or inside
fairings, as those above.
GEOCam™
To accommodate the rigors of the higher space-radiation environment of GEO orbits,
NTSC or PAL cameras and their control electronics are integrated into a thicker aluminum housing. This
GEOCam system provides a digital video stream at variable frame rates and compression levels to
match just about any host platform's downlink bandwidth capability.
HD GEOCam™
To accommodate the rigors of the higher space-radiation environment of GEO orbits,
NTSC or PAL cameras and their control electronics are integrated into a thicker aluminum housing. The
HD GEOCam system provides a digital video stream at variable frame rates and compression levels to
match just about any host platform's downlink bandwidth capability.
Illuminators
When additional light is needed to capture the desired scene, LED illuminators are
integrated with the cameras above, or mounted separately off-axis from the camera FOV. LED technology
is rugged, power-efficient and easily scalable to provide a range of light intensities.
Sensor assemblies
When multiple sensors are required on a given platform, they can be integrated
together and co-boresightedor otherwise aligned with respect to each other. Common control and data-
handling electronics are employed to simplify operation of the sensor cluster.
