Space & defense
Whether in space exploration, earth observation or microgravity experiments, optical systems often are the key elements of the mission. A majority of the data is provided by these channels. These systems must remain reliable while being subjected to severe environmental constraints such as launch vibrations, wide temperature ranges and high radiation levels.
A journey through innovation and technology
Specific constraints to the Space market
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.
Constantly evolving Space
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.
Contract manufacturing
Cleanroom facility
650 sq. m. certified ISO7 with local areas in ISO 5
High precision tooling for various assemblies
Optics alignment & assembly (mechanical, gluing …)
Metrology for optical components & systems quality control
Wavefront measurements, MTF, interferometric bench, cosmetic & photometric controls
Support customer products evolution
Optical & opto-mechanical design, electronics, software development, EMC testing & certification
Discover our other markets
Lambda-X creates and manufactures optical systems for space and security, for bio-med and life science, as well as industrial applications.
Get in touch
Interested in our optical engineering services for space and security applications? Get in touch with Jean-Hervé for your next innovation, we’re looking forward to helping you.