Aquila Camera: Infinity Avionics Launches High-Def Imaging for Space Operations
CANBERRA, Australia – Infinity Avionics today announced the commercial availability of Aquila, a new high-performance imaging system designed for the burgeoning space situational awareness (SSA) and in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) markets. The system, which debuted at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Sydney, is now flight-ready, according to the Australian space hardware company.
Aquila addresses a critical need for enhanced visual data as the orbital environment becomes increasingly congested and complex. The demand for precise, real-time imagery is growing alongside the expansion of activities like rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD), in-space manufacturing, and active debris removal. Infinity Avionics positions Aquila as a versatile alternative to both bulky, legacy imaging systems and lower-fidelity inspection cameras.
The camera is engineered to deliver Full High Definition (FHD) capabilities whereas adhering to the strict Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) limitations inherent in small satellite missions. Aquila supports both HD and FHD image capture and storage, alongside video streaming at up to 30 frames per second. This ensures operators receive actionable visual telemetry, according to company specifications.
To cater to a variety of mission requirements, Aquila is offered with multiple lens options, allowing customers to customize the field of view. This flexibility enables both wide-angle situational awareness and close-up inspection capabilities.
Infinity Avionics is offering Aquila in three variants – Lite, Plus, and Pro – to provide scalable options for different performance needs and budgets. The Aquila Lite variant provides entry-level capabilities, while the Plus and Pro versions offer increased features, data streaming, and higher resolution video capture. The Pro variant delivers 30 FPS FHD resolution video capture and streaming.
While Aquila functions as a standalone imaging tool, its capabilities are significantly enhanced when paired with Infinity Avionics’ BRAIN edge processor. This combination allows for on-board processing of image data, reducing the need to transmit large volumes of raw data to ground stations. The integration of Aquila and BRAIN enables autonomous operations, supporting RPOD, in-space manufacturing, and navigation missions.
Infinity Avionics has identified several key applications for the Aquila camera system, including space asset monitoring, RPOD and debris removal, in-space manufacturing, and navigation. Specifically, the company highlights the camera’s potential for verifying the deployment of antennas and solar arrays, monitoring structural integrity, and providing low-latency video for precision docking and satellite refueling. It also envisions Aquila playing a role in monitoring fabrication processes in microgravity and supporting autonomous obstacle avoidance.
“The launch of Aquila represents a significant milestone in our mission to be ‘Your Eyes in Space’ for the next generation of the space economy,” said Igor Dimitrijevic, CEO of Infinity Avionics. “By offering FHD streaming and onboard storage in such a small package, we are giving mission designers the tools they need to execute high-stakes maneuvers, like RPOD and in-space manufacturing, with absolute confidence.”
Based in Canberra, Australia, Infinity Avionics has existing technology integrated into missions across Australia, Europe, and Asia, supporting Space Domain Awareness (SDA), In-Space Servicing (ISAM), and Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPOD). The company’s systems have been deployed on over 60 payloads currently in orbit, and it has delivered more than 150 hardware systems globally.
