Abstract

Microspacecraft may have an important role in low-cost exploration of the solar system. Designs for cameras having masses from a few tens of grams to a few kilograms and with effective focal lengths of many times their clear apertures are being explored. Typical missions include high-G situations such as when the camera is attached to an asteroid or comet nucleus penetrator or when the camera is launched by an electromagnetic rail gun. High-G requirements are satisfied by beryllium or aluminum monolithic construction. Single-point diamond turning is a key technology element in the construction of such cameras.

© 1990 Optical Society of America