Exobotics, Simera collaborate for high-res hyperspectral imager

Author: EIS Release Date: Oct 13, 2022

Exobotics, a UK satellite start-up, is collaborating with Simera Sense for the manufacture of a high-resolution hyperspectral imager, which will be launched into low-Earth orbit (LEO).

 

It will be launched aboard a nano-satellite later this year, for commercial use within the space industry, for example monitoring and forecasting crop welfare, measuring emissions and object detection.

 

The hyperspectral imager will perform high resolution imaging, at less than 5 metres per pixel in the 450nm to 900nm range. By this means, light is captured from a combination of spectral bands and can deliver data about the non-visible aspects of objects and surfaces being examined, such as their (bio)chemical composition.

 

 

Exobotics has developed a bespoke payload support system to enable the imager to work with a wide range high-speed radios in S, X and Ka bands to improve performance and flexibility in space.

 

 

 

The manufacturing of the imager, says Exobotics, is part of a wider collaboration which will focus on “turn-key integrated satellite platforms” in order to improve accessibility to space.

 

“Reducing the barriers to entry for space is vital for the growth of the wider economy, and many sectors, such as FinTech, mining and agriculture, need to be made aware of the benefits space can bring at an affordable cost,” said the Founder of Exobotics, Nadeem Gabbani (pictured).

 

“Access to space needs to be cost effective, easy and fast, which is why we oversee the end-to-end design, manufacturing and testing phases for payloads and nano-satellite platforms, which can be achieved in 9 to 12 months through our fast track programme.”

 

Simera Sense produces Earth Observation Optical Payloads – its xScape range of payloads are optimised for standard CubeSat bus size, power and data interfaces.

 

Exobotics has offices in London, Cambridge and Cornwall