The cameras are tested, poked and prodded until they can be certified as safe and reliable in the dangerous environment of space. Does it have sharp corners - even a small cut can be difficult to heal in space. And then of course, there's flammability testing. In addition, the tools and devices aboard the spacecraft must be an order of magnitude more reliable than their earthbound counterparts. In on-orbit tests, the cameras lose between 5 and 15 pixels per day.
Solar storms can dramatically increase the amount of radiation to which the cameras are exposed.
Shielding must provide protection from space radiation or cameras must replaced every 50 - 90 days. All rights reserved.