A high-resolution multi-spectral imaging system for small satellites

Abstract

SaTReCi and ATSB are developing a high-resolution imaging system for small satellites as a collaborative program. This compact and cost-effective imaging system, the Medium-sized Aperture Camera (MAC), produces images in one panchromatic and four multi-spectral bands with ground sampling distances of 2.5 and 5.0 m respectively at 685 km altitude. It weighs less than 50 kg and its peak power consumption is less than 50 W. The development of four models is planned. For the test model, the telescope whose major components are made with Aluminum is ready for integration and the electronics is being integrated and tested. Design of the engineering model is presented together with the analysis results. Design optimization is in progress and the development of the engineering model will be complete by May 2002. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.