What Fiction Gets Right About Optics in Astronomy

Stories like Project Hail Mary have a way of pulling people into the science of distant stars—how we detect them, study them, and begin to understand what they’re made of. They’re not alone. Films like Interstellar and The Martian have also helped bring real astrophysics and space science into the mainstream, often grounding their stories…

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Optics for Drones and UAVs

May 12-14 • Booth #15020 Huntington Place Detroit, MI Meet Andover Corporation at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026, where we’ll be showcasing optical filters, coatings, fabricated components, and assemblies for UAV and drone platforms. Visit our team to discuss optical solutions for airborne imaging, targeting, sensing, and autonomous system applications, supported by vertically integrated manufacturing, broad spectral…

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SPIE DEFENSE + SECURITY 2026

April 28-30 • Booth #924 Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center National Harbor, MD Come visit us at SPIE Defense + Security 2026, where we’ll be showcasing optical filters, coatings, fabricated components, and assemblies for advanced defense systems.Visit our team of experts to discuss optical solutions for defense imaging, sensing, targeting, and display applications, supported…

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BEAM: Breakthroughs – How Andover Corporation’s Advanced Coating Technology Powers NASA’s PUNCH Mission

BEAM Series: Trends in optics for Laser-Based Technology

In the demanding realm of space-based solar observation, precision optical components must withstand extreme conditions while delivering uncompromising performance. NASA’s recently launched PUNCH (Polarimeter to UNify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission exemplifies this challenge, requiring specialized optical filters and coatings capable of operating in the harsh environment of space while providing critical data about our…

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Notable Projects

Andover Corporation facility

Notable Projects Advancing Innovation Across Industries Engineering Excellence Through Experience Precision, Innovation, and Quality Since 1976 Behind many of the world’s most recognized innovations, discoveries, and missions, you’ll find Andover Corporation’s precision optics at work. For almost 50 years, our filters and coatings have contributed to high-profile achievements across aerospace, defense, medical, and scientific industries.…

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Andover Filters Power NASA’s Deep Space Laser Communication

An orange and white tabby cat named Taters lying on a dark gray couch, featured in the video transmitted during NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment. The image includes futuristic interface graphics overlaying the cat, with technical data, NASA logo, and colorful test patterns representing laser communication diagnostics.

In December 2023, NASA’s Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment, led by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully transmitting an ultra-high-definition video via laser from nearly 19 million miles away—a distance equivalent to over 80 times the gap between Earth and the Moon. This technology demonstration marks…

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Military & Defense Systems

A soldier in full tactical gear crouches on rocky terrain at dusk, aiming a weapon equipped with a laser rangefinder. The bright laser beam projects forward, likely measuring distance to a target. In the background, an armored military vehicle with mounted weaponry and headlights is stationed on rugged terrain. The dramatic sunset sky enhances the intensity of the scene, highlighting the advanced optics and targeting systems used in modern defense technology.

Military & Defense Systems Where optics meet operations Mission-Ready Optics Precision Filters and Coatings for Defense Systems Download our new Defense brochureOptical filters and coatings play a critical role in modern defense and aerospace systems—from EO/IR targeting platforms and UAV payloads to infrared imaging and laser-based sensing. These systems rely on precise wavelength control, optical…

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Aerospace & Space Optics | Andover

orange blue horizon

Aerospace Advancing the exploration of space and aerial technologies Advancing Space Through Precision Optics Mission-critical filters powering aerospace innovation worldwide Optical filters and coatings are used across a wide range of aerospace systems, with increasing demand driven by satellite payloads, Earth observation, and space-based sensing. These applications require precise wavelength control, long-term stability, and reliable…

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Astronomy & Space

space observation

Astronomy & Space Advancing humanity’s celestial vision through precision optical solutions. Pioneering Precision Optics for the Cosmos Optical Solutions from Ground Observatories to Space Telescopes For over 45 years, Andover Corporation has been at the forefront of astronomical innovation, enabling groundbreaking discoveries from Earth’s surface to the edges of known space. Our advanced optical filters…

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