Star Cameras

Used on space station Mir and the International Space Station. Utilizes RAD hardened electronics.

Quality : Probability of failure free operation during a 100 hour session:

  • At the beginning of life greater than 99.996%
  • After 15 years greater than 97.6%
 VF STC 1VF STC 2
Mass electronics + baffle3.2 kg3.4 kg
Power10.2 Watts5.0 Watts
Input Current24 to 28 Volts24 to 28 volts
Accuracy (x,y)3 arc seconds3 arc seconds
Accuracy (z)15 arc seconds22 arc seconds
Field of View8 degrees circular160 x 160
Star Catalog8,500 selected from 100,000~5,000
Search Time (Initial)30 seconds30 seconds
Search Time2 seconds2 seconds
Maximum Star Magnitude+8.5+ 6
Dimensions mm320 x 320 x 160280 x 280 x 225
Rad Hardened MicroprocessorYesYes
Lifetime15 years15 years
Focal Length60 mm35 mm
Aperture-16 mm
OutputQuaternionQuaternion
CCD Array512 x 512 pixels-
InterfaceMil 1553 BMil 1553 B
Lenses58
LanguageC+ or C++C+ or C++

Full Quality Testing

All Valley Forge units can be modified to your specifications.