Cameras
Image credit ESA
EXOMARS CAMERA
EXMC is Neptec’s visible light stereo camera for rover navigation and localisation. It boasts a mass of less than 800 g, peak power consumption less than 2.5 W, automatic distortion correction of images and delivers unprecedented accuracy over a wide temperature range. It is capable of survival in the harsh Martian environment without heaters. This camera uses a global shutter, CMOS image sensor and an efficient FPGA to provide a robust and accurate means of collecting and reporting high-quality, calibrated images to the host rover’s mobility algorithms. Neptec will provide two EXMC cameras to ESA’s ExoMars programme, one mast mounted to provide navigation and another body mounted for localisation.
LONG WAVE INFRARED CAMERA (LWIR)
The Long Range Infrared Camera (LWIR) advances the state of the technology of the infrared camera previously built by Neptec and used on the International Space Station. This most recent configuration is specifically designed to support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). In particular, the LWIRCam has been optimized to provide consistent, reliable and accurate images over a large temperature range between -30C and +45C. This performance is achieved using an athermalized lens assembly and high resolution microbolometer, in a compact, and power efficient package, with a mass of less than 2.5kg and power consumption less than 10W. Enclosed in a robust housing, and including radiation tolerant electronics, the LWIRCam provides superior performance in the harsh environmental conditions observed in LEO.
Image credit NASA
VISCAM
Neptec’s VisCam is a Visible light spaceflight camera, designed to support Rendezvous and Proximity Operations. The camera is offered in two optical configurations – a Wide Field of View and a Narrow Field of View – to address the varying mission parameters associated with both near and far field objects. A streamlined approach to the camera development has led to each of the configurations sharing a common electronics enclosure. The VisCam employs a high-resolution global-shutter, CMOS image sensor, in conjunction with radiation tolerant electronics, to provide maximum performance in the harsh environmental conditions.