Astro 487

Features

KAYA Vision’s Astro 487 sets a new standard in orbital imaging by harnessing the massive capabilities of the Sony IMX487 CMOS sensor. As a premier UV space qualified camera, it delivers 8.1 megapixels of high-fidelity UV video with a 2848(H) x 2848(V) resolution. The core sensor architecture features a 2.74µm x 2.74µm pixel size, greater than 69.85 dB dynamic range, and a 9,660 e- full well charge, providing exceptional monochrome imaging with exposures down to 10 µs. With continuous or triggered image acquisition and on-camera processing capabilities – including Region of Interest (ROI), image flip, binning, lookup tables, and defect pixel correction – this IMX487 space camera guarantees unparalleled visual fidelity for demanding Earth observation and deep space missions with on-camera processing capabilities such as Region of Interest, Image Flip, Binning, Defective Pixel Correction and Flat Field Correction.

Modular Mission Architecture The Astro 487 has customization available throughout its design, allowing aerospace engineers to tailor the payload to their exact specifications. Astro cameras can be configured to meet strict Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints. Mission planners can dictate their preferred data transmission protocols such as MIPI, CoaXPress, SDI, or SpaceFibre, ensuring seamless communication with existing satellite buses. The camera fully supports custom ruggedized enclosures, specialized optical filters, and adaptable lens mounts, making it the ultimate modular solution for compact standard 3U or 6U CubeSats, SmallSats, and larger orbital platforms.

Spaceflight Reliability & Manufacturing Built on a highly sophisticated single-board electronic design, the Astro 487 utilizes a resource dense FPGA design with an optimized layout that reduces components. This design approach minimizes power consumption, reduces thermal loads, and maximizes structural robustness for launch shock and vibration. Manufactured to IPC Class 3 standards in an ISO 5 clean environment, the camera supports both New Space and Classic Space mission profiles with configurations available such as leaded solder, BGA underfill, and conformal coating. Engineered from qualified component libraries with verified low-outgassing materials, this high resolution space qualified camera delivers radiation tolerance, optimized thermal path, and a proven -40°C to +85°C operating range. Backed by extensive EMVA 1288 testing and an MTBF exceeding 2.5 million hours, the system maintains absolute operational certainty with robust in-orbit diagnostics, including built-in self-tests (BIT), voltage monitoring, lifetime counters, and watchdog features.

Key Features:

• 8.1 Megapixel resolution at up to 150 fps
• Monochrome sensor
• Ultra-compact footprint designed for 3U+ CubeSats and SmallSats
• Highly configurable data interfaces
• Space-grade radiation tolerance and thermal resilience
• Low-power consumption optimized for satellite payloads
• Full image processing feature set (ROI, binning, black level control)
• Gen<i>Cam compliant with continuous or triggered acquisition
• Full built-in self-test (BIT) and voltage testing for remote diagnostics
• Customizable Mechanicals for Telescope, Focus Mechanism or Lens Mount
• Customizable Mechanical Design to interface for Thermal Pathway
• Built in test, Voltage monitoring, Watchdog features

Applications:

• Earth observation and mapping
• CubeSat and SmallSat payload imaging
• Orbital inspection and satellite servicing
• Spacecraft situational awareness and docking
• Deep space scientific research
• High-altitude aerospace surveillance

Specifications

The KAYA Vision Astro series represents the ultimate standard for a UV space qualified camera. Built on a highly configurable modular architecture, the Astro series allows aerospace engineers to build the exact imaging payload their mission requires. While the foundational imaging power is driven by the industry-leading IMX487 space camera sensor, almost every other aspect of the system has customization available to meet strict spaceflight parameters.

Core Sensor Specifications (Sony IMX487)

• Sensor Format: 2/3″ CMOS (11.1 mm diagonal)
• Resolution: 2848 (H) x 2848 (V)
• Pixel Size: 2.74 μm x 2.74 μm
• Dynamic Range: >69.85 dB at 320 nm
• Full Well Charge: 9660 e-
• Shutter Type: Electronic Global Shutter
• Color Profile: Available in Monochrome

Mission-Specific Customization & Modular Architecture

• SWaP-Optimized Form Factors: Expertly engineered to meet strict Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints, fitting easily into compact payloads such as standard 3U, 6U, or larger CubeSats and SmallSats.
• Custom Enclosures & Optics: Tailor your imaging system with mission-specific ruggedized enclosures, custom lenses, specialized optical filters, and adaptable lens mounts.
• Space-Grade Manufacturing: Assembled in an ISO 5 clean room to IPC Class 3 standards using verified low-outgassing materials, with options for New Space and Classic Space profiles.
• Environmental Ruggedization & Reliability: Custom shielding, thermal management, and radiation-tolerant designs, backed by EMVA 1288 reporting, stress testing, and an MTBF >2.5 million hours.
• In-Orbit Diagnostics: Complete remote operational awareness via built-in self-tests (BIT), voltage monitoring, lifetime counters, and watchdog features.

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