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

For our planet

Climate monitoring satellite EarthCARE with star sensors from Jena has been successfully in space for the first 100 days.

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Jena-Optronik selected by MDA Space as part of the MDA AURORA (TM) supply chain

Jena-Optronik GmbH announced today it has been selected by MDA Space Ltd. (TSX:MDA), a leading provider of advanced technology and services to the rapidly expanding global space industry, as part of the company’s supply chain for MDA AURORATM, a game-changing product line driving the transition from analog to digital satellite technology.

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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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#30of30

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: It’s all around us

Space inspires us all and creates a wealth of knowledge

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Events

  • 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Milan, Italy
    October 14-18, 2024
  • ESA Industry Space Days, Nordwijk, the Netherlands
    September 18-19, 2024
  • World Satellite Business Week, Paris, France
    September 16-20, 2024
  • Small Satellite Conference, Logan, Utah, USA
    August 03-08, 2024