ASTROlas

Autonomous Laser Threat Detection Sensor

Threats by laser radiation to space-based assets have been reported several times in public news and media in the past years. Hence, such events need to be considered in the risk management of today’s satellite owners. Jena-Optronik developed a laser threat detection sensor called ASTROlas, which is able to provide key information (e.g. origin, wavelength and intensity) of such events.

Laser radiation for either tracking or blending of a satellite or spacecraft is a high risk for sensitive optical instruments. Furthermore, laser radiation is able to degrade the efficiency of solar panels and it is therefore a risk to the overall performance of a satellite or spacecraft.

As an answer to such threats, we developed the autonomous sensor ASTROlas, which allows satellite-based laser threat detection, identification and tracking.

Highlights - ASTROlas features and design parameters:

  • Composed of optical head and electronic box
  • Radiation-hard as well as compact and robust mechanical design
  • Single FPGA for data processing
  • Wide field lenses (>100° FoV) optimized for laser detection
  • as well as:

Four spectral channels:

  • Dedicated lens for laser spot Imaging
  • Bandwidth and center wavelength of each channel is adaptable

InGaAs (IndiumGalliumArsenid) detectors:

  • Broadband spectral sensitivity resulting in a wavelength range from 0.4 to 1.7µm
  • Laser pulse detection capability

System performance criteria:

  • Differentiation between pulsed and constant laser beams
  • Laser power density determination (radiometry)
  • Overlay of 2D-image and detected laser beam

Europe's new weather satellite ‘MetOp SG A1’ successfully launched into space with space optics and electronics from Jena-Optronik

As part of a new generation of modern weather satellites, MetOp-SG A1 began its journey into space on 13 August 2025 and will collect data on the atmosphere, the world's oceans and the Earth's surface around the clock. The aim is to make weather forecasts even more reliable and to better understand climate change.

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Milestone for climate protection: Sentinel-4 successfully launched into space with space optics and electronics from Jena-Optronik

COPERNICUS is the world's largest space-based environmental mission – Jena-Optronik’s team is proud to support this program with innovations “Made in Jena”.

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Jena-Optronik goes ESA 4S Symposium

For the first time, Jena-Optronik will exhibit at this year’s ESA 4S Symposium in Palma de Mallorca, Spain from 27th to 31st May 2024.

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As we are turning 30 years, we a delighted to give you insights on our history as well as future missions with space technology made by Jena-Optronik.

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Space photography

Apollo astronauts as photographers: stunning pictures of our blue marble, the moon and astronauts' lifes 

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Space inspires us all and creates a wealth of knowledge

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Events

  • Space Tech Expo Europe, Bremen, Germany
    November 18-20, 2025
  • International Astronautical Congress (IAC) 2025, Sydney, Australia
    September 29 - October 3, 2025