Client
ESA / VITO
Project
The CSIMBA project is developing a hyperspectral instrument for nanosatellites based on the CHIEM initiative. It utilizes a hyperspectral sensor with thin-film interference filters directly deposited on a 12-megapixel CMOS 2D detector, covering a spectral range from 475 to 900 nm. The instrument provides an 80 km field of view and a spatial resolution of 20 m in a 500 km orbit. The long-term goal is to establish a constellation of hyperspectral nanosatellites to enhance monitoring of agricultural fields and biodiversity with a revisit frequency of a few days.
Challenge
DELTATEC was tasked with designing and acquiring the camera for the CSIMBA project. The chosen CMV12000 sensor operates at its maximum capabilities, requiring efficient electronics to manage the significant data flow. To enhance performance, the design incorporates image processing techniques, including temporal offset digital integration (TDI) with an integration capacity of up to 12 lines, thereby optimizing the camera's functionality within the CSIMBA project.
Solution
The system is based on a hybrid architecture that integrates commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) components and radiation-resistant/tolerant components. This combination ensures a balance between high data processing capabilities and superior reliability. The camera architecture utilizes a system-on-chip (SoC) with DDR3 memories and Nand flash memory for efficient data storage of up to 1 terabyte. This enables advanced image processing and data manipulation. The system is reprogrammable between operations, enhancing adaptability and allowing optimization according to specific operational requirements.