Schneider-Kreuznach Lens Supports Optical Navigation for NASA's Artemis Missions
Multiple ruggedized lenses from Schneider-Kreuznach are integrated into the Optical Navigation (OpNav) camera system aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft. The lenses support navigation and imaging functions for the Artemis lunar exploration program and have successfully performed during Artemis I and Artemis II. They will continue to be used in the OpNav system for upcoming missions, including Artemis III.
Photo Credit: NASA
The Orion Camera System, developed by Redwire in cooperation with Lockheed Martin, supports spacecraft operations through monitoring, public imaging and optical navigation. Mounted on the exterior of the Orion crew module, the system captures images of the Earth and star field during flight.
These images are processed to determine the spacecraft’s position and trajectory during its journey to and from the moon. For this purpose, the camera system uses a monochrome 5.3-megapixel sensor combined with a customized Schneider-Kreuznach TOURMALINE 2.0/35 C lens, formerly known as APO-Xenoplan 35.
The lens was originally qualified for space conditions during Artemis I, where it supported the validation of Orion’s optical navigation capability. Based on this performance, the system has been retained for continued use in subsequent Artemis missions, including Artemis II.
Spaceflight places specific requirements on optical systems. Components must maintain alignment and imaging performance under launch vibration, mechanical stress, thermal variation, and vacuum conditions. The lens design was adapted to ensure mechanical stability of the optical elements across these environments.
Beyond its navigation function, the OpNav camera has captured detailed images of Earth and the Moon, including rarely seen views of the Moon's far side. These images support system validation and provide additional mission data for analysis.
