Japan sends a modified Pentax 300mm F4 lens into area aboard its Kitsune 6 microsatellite: Digital Pictures Overview

The Pentax DA* 300mm F4 ED(IF) SDM lens has gone to area. Ricoh Imaging Japan introduced that its 300mm F4 lens for APS-C cameras has been put in within the Kitsune 6U CubeSat satellite tv for pc as a capturing lens.

Kitsune was in regards to the Antares rocket launched from Virginia final month. The rocket efficiently docked with the Worldwide Area Station (ISS). Kitsune 6U will gather floor sensor information and carry out high-resolution imaging of the Earth’s floor.

A typical Pentax DA* 300mm F4 lens

Kitsune 6U is a comparatively small satellite tv for pc developed by the HAK consortium, which incorporates Harada Seiki Co., Ltd., Addnics Company and the Kyushi Institute of Expertise (Kyutech). The satellite tv for pc features a single digital camera and lens and shall be deployed from the ISS’s Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), nicknamed Kibō.

The nanosatellite will conduct a number of missions and its Earth observations embrace a decision of 5m. Because of this every pixel of a picture covers a 5m x 5m space on the Earth’s floor. You possibly can be taught extra about spatial decision for satellite tv for pc imagery by clicking right here.

The customized Pentax 300mm F4 lens designed for the Kitsune 6U nanosatellite

The Pentax 300mm F4 lens was chosen as a result of its resolving efficiency, compact measurement and flexibility to make use of in area. As a result of it is a commercially-produced lens, it is also an reasonably priced possibility. The lens has been positioned inside a personalized barrel to be used within the satellite tv for pc.

In a translated assertion, Mr. Hirotoshi Harada, President of Harada Seiki, considered one of JAXA’s companion corporations and a member of the HAK consortium, mentioned, ‘As a satellite tv for pc wanted in the present day, it’s an easy-to-use satellite tv for pc with a low utilization hurdle. This satellite tv for pc is meant for leisure and educational use. To create a satellite tv for pc that’s each simple to make use of and cheap, it was mandatory to make use of client merchandise and adapt them to area tools. The KITSUNE satellite tv for pc is a step ahead within the discipline of recent satellites because of the joint analysis with Ricoh Imaging Firm. If now we have a satellite tv for pc that can be utilized by many individuals in an off-the-cuff, playful approach, its use will enhance. This can contribute to the data trade, which is extra intently associated to folks’s each day lives. Harada Seiki, like Ricoh Imaging Company, which cooperated with us this time, will contribute to the world to make folks pleased.’

A accomplished satellite tv for pc

There have been many cameras and lenses from well-known photograph manufacturers despatched to area over time. If you would like to be taught extra about cameras and lenses in area, try this video. Pentax itself has a wealthy historical past with astrophotography from Earth. The corporate provides cameras with astrophotography-oriented options, reminiscent of Astrotracer. You possibly can be taught extra about Pentax and astrophotography at this devoted micro-site on Ricoh Imaging.

All photographs courtesy of Ricoh Imaging Japan