New-Space Sensors

Aims and Goals

Sensors and sensor systems are central to the business areas of a National New-Space capabili- ty. The partners in CENSSS are already deeply involved with developing sensors for New- Space applications. The sensors are at different readiness level spanning from ideas to flight instruments.

CENSSS will increase the maturity level for the ideas and develop next generation instrumentation toward flight hardware. This includes both electro optical and otherremote sensing sensors. In order for the sensor systems to be effective in space, they must be able to withstand harsh con- ditions in terms of temperature differences, vibration and exposure to cosmic radiation. For New-Space applications, CENSSS will focus on developing novel optical sensors as well as other sensors and sensor systems. Improvement will be sought in properties such as spatial and spectral resolution, spectral coverage (multi/hyper spectral sensors), beam- steering and antennas, miniaturization, power reduction, signal and data processing, efficiency, versatility, functionality and cost.

CENSSS will design, construct and launch, if possible, a high-performance hyperspectral imager for New-Space, drawing on experi- ence from NEOs development of high-endcommercial imagers for airborne use.

Another objective is to advance the state of the art of characterization of multi- and hyperspectral imagers to reach a new level of spectral integrity. 

CENSSS aims to continue the development of both passive and active RF-sensors. The development of wireless connectivity for practically all electronic devices have made the performance increase and cost reduce for RF-electronics components. The speed of signal processing and digitizing have

moved the digital electronics closer to the analog antenna. This gives the opportunity to make new and flexible RF-sensors that can be re-programmed in flight.