How much is really visible from hundreds of miles in space? Quite a bit, it turns out, if your imaging station is equipped with precision satellite telescope optics.
Satellite and space telescope optics are a step up from the optics usually used on earth. They’re built to be especially light, especially durable, and to deliver premium imaging capabilities in a very minimal package. A satellite telescope must be able to function well when it is very hot and when it is very cold— and be able to handle temperature shifts between two extremes. It must be resistant to radiation damage and protected as much as possible from any space debris. It must be dependable since servicing a satellite telescope or adjusting configurations is typically not an option.
The Hubble space telescope, is a prime example of satellite telescope optics in action.