Optimum Technologies wins Space Force contract for optical payload

Optimum Technologies, a space hardware specialist, has won a contract from the United States Space Force (USSF)’s Space Systems Command (SSC). It is to provide an optical imaging payload, and surrounding avionics and software.

This will be for the VICTUS SURGO mission – a Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) initiative – projected for launch in 2026.

The payload will consist of a telescope and camera, processing electronics, and software. It will be built in the company’s recently expanded satellite manufacturing facility in Sterling, Virginia.

Space Force

Funding for the federal contract, worth $4.5 million, comes from the U.S. Space Force – the United States Armed Forces’ space service. Specifically, it was by awarded the organisation as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 3 agreement.

“We are excited to be able to offer our optical imaging product in support of VICTUS SURGO as well as future space surveillance missions”, commented Simon Dawson, OpTech’s Chief Technical Officer.

The Californian in-space transportation startup Impulse Space will be providing two Mira V2 orbital manoeuvre vehicles (OMV) and two launches as part of the mission. Mira is designed for “last-mile delivery” services.

Caracal

Caracal is Optimum Technologies’ visible band sensor. With power consumption of 8W at 12 VDC and a telescope mass of 10kg, it has a resolution 29 MP (6600 x 4400 PAN) with a Dynamic Range of 64 dB with 20,000 e- full well.

In terms of memory, there is 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM (ECC), 2 x 256 MB QSPI Flash (NOR), and 2 x 128 GB eMMC for 1,000 images, states the company. You can read the full specification online.

There is also Edge computing capability for onboard image processing, storage, and interfacing options.

Images: Optimum Technologies

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