Space & security

For the majority of applications, the optical instrument starts its active life being submitted to harsh launch vibrations. This must be considered in early phases of the opto-mechanical design, ensuring sufficient robustness of the hardware in order to withstand this first step without damage.

When in orbit or operating for instance on Mars or Moon surface, the optical system has to keep its performances for exploration and observation imaging in large temperature ranges. It is the reason why Lambda-X team pays a great attention to coefficients of thermal expansion that can induces mechanical constraints and potential misalignment of optical components. Our designers also take into account the variation of optical index with temperature, thereby aiming to offer to our customers a thermoresistant design, minimizing the impact of operational thermal range on optical performance during the mission.

The third specific constraint weighing on optical system performances is the level of radiation. The strong heritage of Lambda-X in substrates and coatings selection plays a major role in the risk reduction during the development phase.

From concept to production and certifications, the services we offer our customers are done inside a specific market context, which is currently evolving. As experts in the space market, we have identified the following directions:

• The transition from an institutional framework to an increasing presence of private actors;
• A stronger competition, resulting in increased pressure on developments cost and schedule;
• The use of smaller and less expensive platforms;
• The increasing number of satellites in orbit;

This New Space approach has changed the way we develop optical systems. We answer to the new customer requirements with an improved time and cost efficiency. Lambda-X team is present to support you in the creation of on-board optical system in line with new needs of the current Space Market.