Technical Specs and Lenses

Performance

The Mapping Payload's high pixel count allows you to cover a large amount of area quickly at low resolution, or collect very high-resolution imagery at lower altitudes. Approximate GSD, coverage per flight, and expected altitude are listed below for reference. This is based on a 70% forward and 65% side overlap, single pass (no crosshatch).

GSD (cm)
Coverage (acres per flight, single pass)
Speed (m/s)
Altitude (m)

0.5

62

4.75

31

1

98

9.5

63

1.9 (capped by 400ft altitude)

220

12

121

A single Astro flight with the Mapping Payload is typically 25 minutes. The exact time depends on the survey area's geometry, the number of turns required, and the flight speed, as well as environmental factors such as wind speed and direction. Note that the time presented in AMC is an estimate, and not adding return or transit waypoints may affect its calculation. A good rule of thumb is to aim for an AMC-calculated flight duration of 22-23 minutes. This should allow the flight to complete and return before hitting the battery reserve.

Camera Body

Sony Alpha 7R IVA (model ILCE7RM4A/B)

Parameter
Value

Sensor Size (pixels)

9504 x 6336

Sensor Size (mm)

35.7 x 23.9

Pixel Size (μm)

3.76

Weight

Astro's maximum payload weight is 1500 grams.

Parameter
Weight (g)

Smart Dovetail mount

106

Weight with no lens

1162

Weight with default lens

1390

Weight with default lens and mount

1496

Gimbal

Parameter
Value

Minimum gimbal angle

-90° (straight down)

Maximum gimbal angle

+30°

Lenses

Focal Length (mm)
Model
Weight (g)
Compatability

24 (ships with)

228

Supported

24

165

Supported

35

165

Supported

40

176

Testing

50

187

Testing

50

176

Testing

We're currently in the process of testing more lenses, but we have no announcement for when we'll give an official endorsement.

Lens selection in AMC only matters for mission planning calculations (overlap, photo trigger, etc) and for infinity focus to work properly.

If you plan a mission with a non-standard lens, make sure that the correct lens is selected in the Survey section of the Plan screen. If your lens isn't on the dropdown, you can enter the details manually by selecting Custom Camera instead of a specific lens.

When changing lenses, select your lens from the Focal Length dropdown in Camera Settings found in the camera settings.

If your lens isn't on the dropdown, pick any lens from that menu and use auto-focus.

Last updated

#164: Astro thermal wiki rebuild draft

Change request updated