Custom Mechanisms (Mastcam-Z, SOMS Filter Wheel, Mastcam-Z Filter Wheel)
Motiv Space Systems
Motiv Space Systems engineers and builds custom mechanisms for space applications, including imaging systems and filter wheels for planetary rovers and Earth-orbiting platforms.
Technical specifications
- Mastcam-z key capabilities
- High-Definition Video
- Mastcam-z key capabilities (2)
- 3D Images
- Mastcam-z key capabilities (3)
- Panoramic Color Imaging
- Mastcam-z key capabilities (4)
- 28-100 mm Zoom Range
- Mastcam-z key capabilities (5)
- Ability to Resolve Features 1 mm Across at a Distance of 100-Meters
- Mastcam-z key capabilities (6)
- 360-degree swivel and 180-degree up and down panning
- Soms filter wheel key capabilities
- 8 Locations for Filters or Powered Optical Elements
- Soms filter wheel key capabilities (2)
- Low Power Drive Electronics
- Soms filter wheel key capabilities (3)
- Stable Cryo Temperatures for Wheel
- Soms filter wheel key capabilities (4)
- 100 mm Filter Diameter
- Soms filter wheel key capabilities (5)
- 431 mm Outer Diameter
- Soms filter wheel key capabilities (6)
- 5-Second Transition Between Filters
- Mastcam-z filter wheel key capabilities
- Rapid Switching Between Filters
- Mastcam-z filter wheel key capabilities (2)
- Ability to Operate on the Harsh Martian Environment
- Mastcam-z filter wheel key capabilities (3)
- Optical Precision
- Mastcam-z filter wheel key capabilities (4)
- Broadband RGB Bayer Pattern Imaging
- Mastcam-z filter wheel key capabilities (multispectral)
- Multispectral Imaging in 11 Narrow Filters
- Mastcam-z filter wheel key capabilities (6)
- Direct Solar Imaging in RGB and 880 nm
- Flight heritage
- Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover (Mastcam-Z, Mastcam-Z Filter Wheel)
- Flight heritage (2)
- Earth orbit imaging platform (SOMS Filter Wheel)
About
Motiv Space Systems provides custom-engineered mechanisms for critical space missions. The page highlights three specific examples: the Mastcam-Z, the SOMS Filter Wheel, and the Mastcam-Z Filter Wheel.
The Mastcam-Z is a mast-mounted 3D stereoscopic camera system developed for NASA JPL’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover. It serves as the primary science imager, capable of high-definition video, 3D images, and panoramic color imaging. It features a 28-100mm zoom range, can resolve features 1mm across at 100 meters, and offers 360-degree swivel and 180-degree up and down panning. Its applications include textural, mineralogical, morphological, geologic history, atmospheric, and astronomical observations, as well as rover navigation, sample selection, and sample caching guidance.
The SOMS Filter Wheel is designed for an imaging platform in Earth orbit. This challenging project required novel solutions for structural, thermal, and controls, utilizing a hybrid servo/stepper drive schema to significantly reduce heat load into the cryogenic shroud. It features 8 locations for filters or powered optical elements, low power drive electronics, stable cryo temperatures, a 100mm filter diameter, and a 431mm outer diameter, with a 5-second transition between filters. It’s used for multi-spectral and powered element observations.
The Mastcam-Z Filter Wheel, also for the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, is a wheel containing eight specialty filters mounted in front of the rover’s primary imaging sensors. It allows scientists to filter specific wavelengths of light for various scientific applications. Key capabilities include rapid switching between filters, operation in the harsh Martian environment, optical precision, broadband RGB Bayer pattern imaging, multispectral imaging in 11 narrow filters, and direct solar imaging in RGB and 880 nm. Its applications include mineralogical observations, iron oxide characterization, geological observations, solar observation & imaging, and water/ice identification.
Documentation
No public datasheet yet — request the datasheet / ICD from the supplier.