Like Most Advanced Engineering, It Begins with a Vision and a Vision System
While watching the launch of Artemis II, I caught myself holding my breath—for a few reasons, I think.
First, I vividly remember the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion, so there was an undeniable worry of a recurrence of that tragedy. Next, I’m fascinated by space exploration and the incredible technology that makes it possible, so every launch—whether crewed or not—leaves me a bit breathless. Finally, having written several articles about advanced engineering, I’ve skimmed the surface of complex assembly using metrology. One particular article was on my mind as all that heat, vibration and power blasted off the launchpad.
The article appeared in VSD’s sister brand Machine Design in November 2025. Precision Meets Process: MBSE and Laser Metrology Aid in Complex Assembly covered my conversation with Jeff Van Horn, an industry veteran who has led engineering and metrology efforts on landmark projects such as the Madison Square Garden Sphere in Las Vegas and NASA’s Artemis launchpad. Both projects illustrate how model-based systems engineering (MBSE), combined with advanced laser metrology, improves accuracy, efficiency, and safety from design through installation.
So, as I watched Artemis II takeoff with its crew of four—NASA’s Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen—yes, I held my breath. Will they make it? This aerospace technology is so incredible. All the advanced engineering that went into designing and assembling that launchpad began with a vision system; how cool is that?
Then the images from the Orion spacecraft began to surface. There’s something truly awe-inspiring about those breathtaking shots of Earth and the Moon captured by these astronauts and this mission. Did you see the solar eclipse they recorded from their vantage point? Behind every one of those stunning visuals is a story of precision, alignment, and complex engineering that makes such missions possible.
According to NASA, “Orion is carrying 32 cameras and devices, including any instrument with a lens capable of capturing photos or video, inside or on the exterior of the vehicle. The systems support engineering, navigation, crew monitoring, and a range of lunar science and outreach activities. Fifteen cameras are mounted directly to the spacecraft, and 17 are handheld cameras operated by the crew.”
From tried-and-true 10-year-old technology on Nikon D5 DSLRs to the last-minute addition of a more recently introduced Nikon Z9 to GoPros to the crew's personal smartphones, the imaging technology blends proven reliability with newer innovations.
The same kind of precision and visionary technology that guides Artemis II on its path to the stars and back is at the heart of advanced manufacturing processes here on Earth: machine vision systems.
From Space to Factory Floors
Whether aligning spacecraft components and launchpads at NASA or assembling intricate machinery, vision systems are the silent enablers of precision. Cameras, laser scanners, and advanced sensors capture every critical detail in real time, feeding rich data into MBSE frameworks and control systems.
This sensor fusion brings accuracy to processes traditionally plagued by human error or guesswork. Vision systems adapt to harsh environments—whether the vacuum of space or a busy factory floor—offering engineers the eyes and insights needed to keep operations flawless.
VSD Celebrates 30 Years
Speaking of insights, Vision Systems Design is celebrating its 30th year of bringing machine vision insights to you—the engineers and engineering managers at OEMs, system integrators, and end-user organizations who design, develop, manufacture, and integrate components and subsystems for machine vision and image processing.
Whether a long-time reader or new to the machine vision sector, we would love to hear your input. Please take a moment to complete this survey so that we can continue to bring you insights and information you need for the next 30 years.
Today’s survey is on the topic of precision assembly.