About STARRIS
Starris: Optimax Space Systems is powered by three decades of space-qualified innovation on civil, commercial, and defense space missions, as the space systems unit of precision-optics leader Optimax.
Starris is focused on production-scale EO/IR infrastructure for responsive space, based on the disruptive, patented monolithic telescope technology developed by Lawrence Livermore National Lab. The monolithic telescope technology enables deployment of proliferated small satellite constellations that are affordable, reliable, and storage stable.
Starris offers a pre-engineered modular approach for space-qualified optical payloads that combines optics, sensors, and electronics. Starris optical payloads are tailored for aggressive design cycles and rapid deployment, supported by a robust testing and manufacturing ecosystem with management of its own supply chains.
Space Heritage
Three decades
of space-qualified innovation, supporting NASA, DoD, and commercial missions
TRL9 qualification
for multiple configurations
of monolithic space telescopes
Continuous on-orbit operation
since 2018 across
20+ payloads
Scalable manufacturing
The ideal manufacturing architecture for scaling optical payloads
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High-volume manufacturing powered by more than 35 years of precision optics fabrication at Optimax Systems— the largest precision optics manufacturer in the United States, with a 230,000+ square feet facility that features 20,000+ square feet of assembly and cleanroom areas
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In-house vertical integration that avoids supply chain dependencies
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Agile and lean manufacturing enables design and demonstration technology for repeatable production
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Disciplined control of glass selection, fabrication, multi-surface metrology, coating processes, interface verification, environmental testing
Partnerships
TRL11, a leader in AI-enabled full-motion video capture and distribution for space, and Starris have aligned to deliver innovative, intelligent full-motion video payloads capable of performing electro-optical Rendezvous Proximity Operations (RPO) tasking plus a dual-use capability of Space Domain Awareness. The system is capable of performing SDA object characterization with resolved imagery up to a distance of 10km, and metric observation at 20km and beyond. Integrating TRL11 and Starris expertise and technology creates a video payload capable of performing persistent monitoring, threat detection, or autonomous mission execution for advanced satellite operators — reducing time of identification for neighboring RSOs from months to minutes.
Starris and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) have signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), expanding production of LLNL’s next-generation space domain awareness technology — with Starris as the manufacturing partner that can scale to meet the needs for proliferated constellations. The first collaborative effort of the CRADA is an ultraviolet (UV)-infrared space-domain awareness system, based on LLNL’s monolithic telescope technology, for which Starris is the commercial licensing partner. Starris collaborated with LLNL’s Space Program over the last decade to develop the monolithic telescope technology, which accelerates rapid deployment of modular optical designs for high-resolution or high-sensitivity space imagery.
Eoptic Inc. and Starris are building end-to-end satellite imaging payloads that leverage the knowledge and space heritage of both companies — Eoptic’s expertise in imaging science and advanced onboard processing and Starris’s leadership in precision optics and scalable manufacturing for responsive space. The first collaborative system focuses on hypersonic missile detection and tracking, combining Eoptic’s Cambrian multispectral technology with the Starris SDA-85 monolithic telescope to create a compact, deployable UV multispectral payload. This provides for compact, cost-effective payloads with enhanced detection of complex phenomena like hypersonic vehicle shock waves or atmospheric events, supporting rapid deployment in space-based defense and scientific missions.
Starris and Teledyne Space Imaging combine expertise and heritage in optics and sensors to deliver market-leading products to global customers. The strategic collaboration focuses on agile-space applications that include earth observation, space navigation, in-orbit servicing, in-situ resource utilization, in-orbit manufacturing, and space domain awareness. Teledyne’s space-proven sensors help drive the integrated technology of Starris optical payloads. Teledyne has pioneered space-rated sensor solutions for global space agencies and commercial operations for more than 50 years, with systems designed to support highly sensitive cameras, providing a controlled environment and seamless integration with surrounding systems.