Irix has created a lens that's specifically designed to be used on satellites in space that observe the earth from orbit. 

An experimental prototype of the lens, simply called Irix 300SR, will be featured in the main optical section of the Swiatowid nanosatellite that will be launched into a low Earth orbit by the Polish company SatRevoution. 

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The lens measures 70x75mm, weights 250g and has an optical resolution of 300LP/mm. As for the satellite, it measures 10x10x20cm, weights just 2kg and has a 5.1MP CMOS camera. Plus, the lens may also be used on satellites equipped with an image sensor resolution of up to 35MP.

The role of the Irix 300SR is to capture high-quality images of the Earth's surface which can be used in urban planning, land surveying, smart cities and natural disaster monitoring. 

More information on the space mission can be found on the Irix website and for Irix lenses you can use back on earth, have a look at our review section.