According to the company it is anticipated that the very high resolution, multi-spectral imaging created from this project will transform the way the earth is monitored in the future for climate change, such as, solar induced fluorescence effects, night-time imaging for development goals, polar ice mapping and thermospheric wind speed monitoring.
The project will utilise new high frame, state-of-the-art sensors developed for the battlefield by its partner BAE Systems which will be incorporated into XCAM's high-performance CubeSat camera system for space imaging applications.
The XCAM system will drive the new sensors, performing system characterisation against a number of use-cases, and perform radiation tests in space to up-screen the technology for space use, and finally to prepare product datasheets for dissemination to end users.
Commenting Karen Holland, CEO of XCAM, said, “We welcome this valuable grant funding and the partnership generated with BAE Systems, which will lead to an increase in sales for our unique specialist camera systems into our global export markets. We hope to prove through this project that these new sensitive, ultra-low-noise sensors alongside our camera system will transform the performance of compact space imaging cameras leading to new ways of monitoring our planet from space.”
"BAE Systems supports XCAM's objectives to incorporate our HWK4123 sensor into a new, experimental, small satellite format suitable for a range of Earth observation applications. This technology will create significant new opportunities in the Earth observation and related space domains," said Deren Mehmet, BAE Systems.
The Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation was originally established in 2007 and renewed in 2016 as CEOI 2020. The CEOI is funded by the UK Space Agency with parallel technology investment from industry. Its key aim is to develop UK innovative technologies to observe Earth from space through the teaming of scientists and industrialists.
