Typical applications of the CFM would be in support of future Mars Rover exploration programs or lander missions to destinations such as Titan or Europa. The CFM enhances the capabilities of context cameras required to take panoramic images, survey the robotic work space, or evaluate collected samples during science operations. Satellite servicing technology demonstration missions can also utilize a focus mechanism to augment operations for performing inspection and repair on government satellites.
The advent of the satellite servicing and space assembly industries will evolve to develop more sophisticated on orbit, robotic operations. As capabilities mature, the need for higher fidelity imagery will arise. Due to the variable stand-off distances associated with inspection and near field robotic operations, a variable focus imager greatly improves the operator's work space knowledge.
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