The 5th Grande Exposition du Fabriqué en France will feature the CASPEX 4M space camera head from 3D PLUS, representing the Department of Yvelines
The leading supplier of high-reliability electronic components for space applications has announced that the CASPEX 4M space camera head has been chosen to represent the Yvelines department at the 5th Grande Exposition du Fabriqué en France, which will take place from 15 to 16 November at the Élysée Palace. This prestigious event will showcase 123 products, each representing a different department, to honour French craftsmanship, innovation, and industrial excellence. The national jury of experts selected the CASPEX 4M camera head for its technical excellence and its contribution to strengthening France's position in the global space industry.
The selection of the expert jury also symbolises the growing independence of European space technology. The development of CASPEX represents the fusion of a national — in this case, French — engineering ethos with European industrial expertise that is gaining international recognition. Targeted investment in key European technologies such as sensor technology, data processing and miniaturisation guarantees Europe's sovereignty in orbit. CASPEX is a prime example of a project manufactured in France that collaborates closely with partners in Germany and other European Space Agency countries. This collaboration results in cutting-edge European space technology that combines research and industry.
The CASPEX 4M space camera head - production and successful applications
The CASPEX 4M is the successful result of a collaboration between manufacturer 3D PLUS and the French space agency, CNES. It has already proven its reliability in demanding space missions. Used on NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover as part of the SuperCam instrument, which is still in use on the surface of Mars. It has also been successfully used in other international projects, such as the Mars Sample Return Programme, the DART mission, and the OneWeb satellite constellation, where it is embedded in the Auriga launch tracker in a cost-optimised version. With its involvement in missions such as Mars 2020, CASPEX 4M is literally looking at the red planet - a symbol of the capabilities of European technology in interplanetary applications.
About the CASPEX 4M space camera head
The CASPEX camera family from 3D PLUS stands for high-resolution, high-performance, space-grade systems that have been specially developed for demanding missions. Thanks to the innovative packaging technology from 3D PLUS, each camera head combines a high-resolution image sensor with a flexibly customisable, FPGA-based electronics architecture.
The CASPEX 4M space camera head is characterised by its high radiation resistance, making it ideal for scientific imaging, platform and payload monitoring, star tracking and navigation. It provides flexible electrical connections via a 55-pin PGA matrix, comprising 12 LVDS pairs, 13 universal I/O ports and a JTAG interface for FPGA configuration, as well as a 5V to 9V power supply interface. The camera head's design also enables it to be seamlessly integrated into optical space instruments through dedicated optical, mechanical and thermal interfaces.
A significant advantage for deep space applications is the low dark current rate and the Full-Well-Capacity-Niveau of 13.5k electrons, which ensure excellent image quality even in low light conditions.
CASPEX 4M space camera head – Shortfacts
- 2048×2048 Global Shutter Visible CMOS image sensor (monochrome/RGB)
- Up to 16 frame/s in acquisition mode at sensor interface
- Medium performances FPGA architecture
with integrated memories - Read Noise : 13 e-, Dark current : 125 e-/s at 25°C
- FWC : 13.5k e
- Operating temperature range: -40 °C to +70 °C
- Enhanced radiation perfomances: TID > 30 krad
and SEL LET > 60 MeV.cm²/mg
The CASPEX space camera head family from 3D PLUS
3D PLUS offers the CASPEX camera head series as ready-to-use 4M, 12M and SWIR camera heads. These camera heads feature a highly miniaturised generic optoelectronic core and can capture both visible and SWIR wavelengths, making them ideal for scientific and imaging applications.
Further information about the CASPEX camera heads, their features and benefits can also be found on our dedicated information page: https://msa-components.com/showcase/standard-cameras-heads-from-3d-plus-caspex/
3D PLUS and MSA Components at the Space Tech Expo 2025
As in previous years, we from MSA Components and our manufacturer 3D PLUS will be exhibiting at Space Tech Europe. Here you will be able to hear from our team and the 3D PLUS team about the CASPEX space camera head family, the latest products, qualification requirements and customised solutions for next generation spacecraft and the space industry.
Please visit our stand to meet us in person and discuss your projects and challenges, and find out how MSA Components can support you with the latest technological innovations on the market.
You will find us at booth number F11.
Of course, you are welcome to schedule an appointment with us beforehand.
