CRI’s LightStar System is a lightweight, low-cost gimbal stabilization framework that accommodates a wide range of sensor payload configurations to meet customer requirements. Purpose-built for stratospheric balloon platforms, LightStar delivers high-resolution imaging at a fraction of the cost of comparable systems.
System Overview
CRI's LightStar platform is an evolution of our premier LodeStar™ system. Built around our proven NAV100 or new NAV200 inertial navigation/GPS solution, LightStar was designed from the ground up as a lightweight, high-performance gimbalized system for high-altitude operation. Operating from a stratospheric balloon rather than an aircraft, LightStar avoids the aerodynamic wind-loading that typically necessitates gimbal protection — simplifying the design while preserving full imaging performance. The gimbal framework flexibly accommodates payloads from 8" to 16" cube, with a sensor package available across any spectral band. An optional onboard capture, processing, and AI-detection server allows ground clients to connect directly and view imagery and output in real time. The system also self-regulates its temperature to withstand the harsh conditions of high-altitude operation.
System Highlights
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Lightweight, low-cost gimbal stabilization framework
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Uses our proven inertial navigation/GPS solution
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Purpose-built for stratospheric balloon platforms
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Flexible payload accommodation: 8" to 16" cube sensor packages
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Supports sensor payloads across any spectral band
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WAMI capable imaging up to 512 megapixels per frame
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Optional onboard capture, processing, and AI-detection server
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Real-time connectivity
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Automatic thermal regulation
Design + Integration + Support
With CRI, you not only get our years of experience and ISR technical expertise, you get an engineering plan customized to your requirements, and a turn-key aerial ISR system supported by CRI's top-notch Field Service Team.
