SNAP-1’s primary payload is a machine vision system (MVS) which will enable the inspection of other spacecraft in orbit. The MVS consists of three ultra-miniature wide-angle CMOS video cameras and one narrow-angle CMOS video camera, together with sophisticated image processing electronics. The MVS will also be used to provide medium resolution images of the Earth from SNAP-1’s 650km altitude, near-polar orbit. The near infra-red filter in the narrow angle camera provides good discrimination between land, sea and clouds and allows the camera to produce clear images through the otherwise hazy atmosphere at 500m ground resolution. Using its miniature propulsion, navigation and inter-satellite link systems, SNAP-1 will attempt to rendezvous in orbit with its companion spacecraft, Tsinghua-1. SNAP-1 was designed and built by SSTL with its own funds in under one year and at an overall mission cost, including development, launch and commissioning, of less then US$1.5 million.