Abstract: In order to meet the requirements of quick acquisition of aerial image information in low light condition, a wide view imaging system which can be adapted to low-light environments was studied. Based on the camera working mode of frame-sweep imaging, the technology route of adopting a large relative aperture and low distortion optical system, combining a low-noise and high-sensitivity CMOS detector with vacuum cooling, and compensating the scanning image motion by high-speed steering mirror was clarified. The design ideas of the mechanical configuration of the camera were explained in detail, and a set of calculation methods of imaging capabilities in low-light which can be applied in engineering were summarized. The basic principle of compensating image motion with steering mirror was studied, and the main frame of the camera was simulated, analyzed and calculated. According to the design and research results, the processing and assembly of the wide view aerial camera in low-light were completed. The camera has a ground sample distance (GSD) of 0.1 meters (height 1 km), and adaptable illumination range of 10-100000 lx, and a large view width of 3 times the height when the speed to height ratio is less than 0.04. The imaging quality of the system is excellent, and test results show that the MTF of the center field of view at 77 lp/mm is greater than 0.45. The images obtained from laboratory and field flight tests are clear, with high contrast and resolution, which can meet the requirements of use. At the same time, the system is 190 mm×140 mm×140 mm in actual size and 2800 g in weight, which is light and small.