April 10, 2026 – Sydor Optics was recently featured by News10NBC for its critical role in NASA’s Artemis II mission. Sydor Optics polished the windows of the Orion spacecraft, enabling the crew to capture stunning images of Earth and the far side of the Moon.
Summary of the Video:
Rochester’s Role in Space Exploration
The News10NBC segment highlights how windows made of Corning Fused Silica glass and polished at Sydor Optics in Rochester, NY, allowed the Artemis II crew to view and photograph Earth and the Moon from space. All windows on the Orion spacecraft were refined and polished by Sydor, contributing to both the mission’s visual success and crew safety.
Company Background and Capabilities
Sydor Optics, founded in 1964 by Stefan Sydor, specializes in high-precision flat optical components. The company employs over 100 people in Rochester and serves diverse industries, including defense, space applications, healthcare, entertainment, laser and semiconductor. While Sydor has supported smaller NASA projects in the past, the Artemis II work represented a significant milestone.
Precision Polishing for Artemis II
The precision polishing process demanded extreme accuracy and rigorous documentation, with weekly meetings involving the customer. MRF technology automatically detected and corrected imperfections in the glass to ensure perfect optical clarity. As noted in the interview: “Everything the astronauts are seeing, all of the amazing photos that they’re capturing to share with the world have been through those windows.”
Looking Ahead
Sydor Optics plans to continue its partnership with NASA by polishing windows for the upcoming Artemis III mission, targeted for a lunar landing in 2027.
Interested in learning how Sydor Optics’ precision polishing and optical components can support your aerospace, defense, or high-tech project? Contact our sales team today or visit our events page for upcoming shows and features.
