Development of a low-cost student-built multi-spectral sensor for the International Space Station

Douglas R. Olsen; Ho Jin Kim; Jaganathan Ranganathan; Soizik Laguette

doi:10.1117/12.896554

13 September 2011 Development of a low-cost student-built multi-spectral sensor for the International Space Station

Douglas R. Olsen, Ho Jin Kim, Jaganathan Ranganathan, Soizik Laguette

Proceedings Volume 8153, Earth Observing Systems XVI; 81530O (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.896554
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Built by students and faculty at the University of North Dakota (UND), the International Space Station (ISS) Agricultural Camera (ISSAC^TM) is a multi-spectral Earth-imaging sensor currently onboard the ISS. Capabilities include three spectral bands (green, red, near-infrared), medium (~20m) spatial resolution, and off-nadir pointing (+/-30 degrees) for episodic rapid-response imaging. We describe the low-cost electro-optical design approach, which utilizes a studentcentered design and operations team and relies on modified commercial components operating within a passive vibration isolation mounting, installed inside the Window Observational Research Facility, viewing the Earth through the US Laboratory Science Window. Interfaces, safety, and other factors unique to the human-rated operational environment of the ISS are outlined. Pre-launch sensor characterization results, including spatial distortion and radiometric measurements, indicate Earth remote sensing using such a sensor is a viable approach for demonstrative operational missions. An element of the ISS National Laboratory, ISSAC was launched on HTV-2 to the ISS in January 2011. Initial operations began in June 2011. Methods of sensor operations are described, using a student staff working within the ISS operational environment. Some initial early imaging results are shown.

Citation Download Citation

Douglas R. Olsen, Ho Jin Kim, Jaganathan Ranganathan, and Soizik Laguette "Development of a low-cost student-built multi-spectral sensor for the International Space Station", Proc. SPIE 8153, Earth Observing Systems XVI, 81530O (13 September 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.896554

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