But a computer glitch caused the spacecraft's imaging equipment to shut down.
Next door is the 24-inch-diameter Perkin research telescope, which at first glance resembles a piece of medical imaging equipment.
Night vision and thermal imaging equipment may help to discover hidden weapons, or enemy soldiers under cover.
The agency also encourages tests of new imaging equipment.
But it's not only the imaging equipment that's becoming more advanced.
General Electric is famous for its sophisticated diagnostic imaging equipment.
The cost of thermal imaging equipment in general has fallen dramatically.
Once there, it can be detected on medical imaging equipment.
This enables physicians to see blockages with special imaging equipment.
But the research is expected to require heavy investments in computers and the latest imaging equipment.