The next phase of lunar exploration is underway, with international programs and missions focused on building a durable human presence beyond Earth. Preparing for this future requires a deeper understanding of the Moon’s resources, from minerals and regolith composition to traces of water ice. To be revealed, these demand advanced optical systems capable of operating in the harsh environment of space.
A collaborative leap in space technology
To meet the challenge of investigating the Moon’s detailed surface mineralogy and soil composition, CNES initiated a European collaboration to develop the next generation of multispectral cameras for lunar rovers. The project brought together 3D PLUS, SILIOS Technologies, IMEC, and Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech to deliver two compact cameras – CAM-1 and CAM-2 – designed to investigate the Moon’s surface with exceptional precision.
Multispectral imaging captures data in specific spectral bands beyond the range of human vision. By analyzing the Moon across these wavelengths, rovers can differentiate minerals, study the composition of regolith, detect water ice and support topographical and geological mapping. This data also informs future in-situ resource extraction, making multispectral cameras essential tools for durable lunar exploration.
Crafting the eyes of the Rover
Lambda-X was entrusted with designing, manufacturing and testing the custom optics for both cameras. These assemblies form the eyes of the instruments, enabling the sensors to capture accurate multispectral images within the strict mass and volume limits imposed on rover payloads.
CAM-1 and CAM-2 each combine a compact optical assembly. CAM-1 uses a 4Mpx sensor with multispectral filters developed by SILIOS Technologies, while CAM-2 relies on a 2Mpx sensor with filters from IMEC. Both are embedded in CASPEX optoelectronic cores designed by 3D PLUS, forming robust space-grade camera heads.
For these instruments, Lambda-X designed, manufactured and tested the dedicated optics, part of their IMAGO product line: CAM-1 optics are a customization of the IMAGO-80 (80° FoV), and CAM-2 of the IMAGO-56 (56° FoV). Both assemblies were tailored to their sensors’ spectral requirements, ensuring that every photon in the 450–700 nm range is captured with maximum clarity.
Compact design, significant impact
Each camera, including optics, fits within a volume of less than 65 × 65 × 80 mm and weighs under 270 grams.
This balance of optical performance and compactness makes multispectral imaging feasible on a rover platform, allowing scientists to gather valuable data without compromising on the practical realities of space hardware integration.
Mission milestones and future horizons
The engineering models of CAM-1 and CAM-2, integrating Lambda-X optics, have been successfully assembled and tested, marking an important milestone. These instruments will allow scientists to investigate the Moon’s surface with greater clarity and detail, paving the way for future missions to identify and use in-situ resources.
Contributing to this project builds on our proven flight heritage while advancing the frontiers of space exploration. By developing optics that combine precision, compactness, and reliability, we keep pushing the boundaries of what rovers can see and discover on the Moon.
Read the full paper about the development of both cameras, from the sensors to the full camera assembly here.
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