A very compact imaging spectrometer for the micro-satellite STSAT3

Abstract

STSAT3, a ∼150-kg micro-satellite, is the third experimental micro-satellite of the STSAT (Science Technology Satellite) series designated for the Long-Term Plan for Korea's Space Development by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of Korea. A Compact Imaging Spectrometer (COMIS) for use in the STSAT3 micro-satellite is currently under construction. It is scheduled to be launched into a low sun-synchronous Earth orbit (∼700 km) by the end of 2012. COMIS was inspired by the success of Compact High Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (CHRIS), a small hyperspectral imager developed for the European Space Agency (ESA) micro-satellite Project for On Board Autonomy (PROBA). COMIS, as its name implies, is very compact in terms of volume, mass and power. The total mass including the optics, housing and electronics is approximately 4.3 kg, and the average operational power is less than 13 W. Its main operational goal will be the imaging of the Earth's surface and atmosphere with ground sampling distances of 27 m at the 18–62 spectral bands (0.4–1.05 μm). COMIS takes hyperspectral images in two different modes: strip imaging and stereo viewing observation. This imaging will be used for environmental monitoring, such as the inland water quality monitoring of Paldang Lake, which is located close to Seoul, South Korea.

Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology of South Korea and also supported by the Korea Research Council of Fundamental Science and Technology, South Korea.