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Space imagers  are  a fast growing group of high-end  electro-optical imaging systems. They can be treated as a special type of long range imagers. Great majority of space imagers are VIS-NIR cameras sensitive in visible and near infrared range.However, space imagers in form of SWIR imagers or thermal imagers (mostly MWIR imagers) are becoming increasingly popular.

    Space imagers are imagers intended to work in space  at extreme conditions: 1)vacuum, 2)extreme temperatures. Therefore imaging performance  tests of space imagers can be divided into three  stages:

1. Tests at typical laboratory conditions (normal air pressure, ambient temperature about 20ºC),
2. Tests at extreme temperatures (tests at typical temperature chambers),
3. Tests at space simulation conditions (tests at special vacuum/temperature chambers).

Inframet can deliver test systems for all three test levels of tests of space imagers.
 Systems for Level 1 tests are modified versions of Inframet typical systems for testing electro-optical imagers (thermal imagers, VIS-NIR cameras, SWIR imagers) at mainly laboratory conditions. Systems for Level 2 tests are typically built as a systems composed from a Level 1 test system and a special translucent temperature chamber where the tested imager is inserted. Systems for Level 3 tests are  very special and rarely built customized image projectors capable to work both at vacuum and at extreme temperatures without noticeable degradation of image quality of projected image.

Modified TVT systems for testing VIS-NIR cameras (sold under SAT-TVT code) specified at https://www.inframet.com/tv_cameras.htm  are most popular systems manufactured by Inframet  for testing space imagers. There are four main modifications of SAT-TVT systems  comparing to typical TVT systems:
1. Improved manufacturing accuracy of mirror used for off axis reflective collimators:collimators of XR grade (needed to assure ultra high quality of projected images),
2. Improved accuracy of  infinity focusing (critical parameter for testing non-focusing space imagers of long focal length)
3. Optional folded design with additional flat mirror located at collimator output at 45 degree relative to collimator axis. This folded design enables to test space imagers looking down (typical work condition)
4. Light source calibrated for work in a series of both broadband and narrow band modes  in VIS-NIR band (systems can be used for testing both imagers for surveillance applications and remote sensing applications).  
Other Inframet test systems for testing EO imagers (DT for testing space imagers or ST for testing SWIR imagers) can be also modified for Level 1 testing space imagers. Inframet can also deliver systems for Level 2/Level 3 tests.
Systems for testing space imagers are offered as customized products. Therefore please deliver detail technical  specifications of space imager to be tested and then Inframet shall present technical offer.

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