Since then the work has covered the full spectrum of demanding applications, from missile seeker optics and tank sights to helmet tracking systems for military aircraft.
In space, Chromar designed the main camera for South Africa's Sumbandila satellite, launched in 2009. Today our lenses fly in the CubeSpace CubeStar star tracker, used by more than 250 satellite operators in 30 countries, and form the optical core of the full Dragonfly Aerospace CubeSat camera range.
Twelve distinct lens design types now carry space heritage, and a new generation of space lenses, the Kuiper series, is in development. Across 45 years, Chromar has produced more than 260 original optical designs.
Tymen Nagel (Snr) begins optical design.
Chromar is founded.
Sumbandila satellite launches with a Chromar-designed main camera.
Tymen Ryk Nagel (Jnr) takes ownership of Chromar.
Two C250 f/4 lenses launch on SpaceX Transporter-14.
More than 260 original designs. Kuiper series in development.
C950 Pluto, the first Kuiper lens, targeted for Q1.
Where Chromar optics are used
SpaceX Transporter-14, 2025Two Chromar C250 f/4 catadioptric lenses launched on Transporter-14. 
Sumbandila satellite, 2009Chromar designed the main camera optics for South Africa's Sumbandila satellite. 
Helmet tracking systemChromar developed the optical concept and the optical design, and built 1,300 units in production. Used in the Saab Gripen and the Eurofighter. 
Olifant Mk2 main battle tankChromar optics in the gunner and commander sights. 
Rooivalk attack helicopterChromar optics in the Rooivalk. 
G5 155 mm howitzerChromar optics used on the G5 155 mm gun.
Platform photographs are the property of their respective owners and are shown to identify the systems that use Chromar optics.
Have a specification?
Tell us the focal length, f-number, spectral band, sensor and operating environment. We will tell you whether an existing design fits, or what a new one involves.