A Compact, Low-cost, Multi-angle, Multi-spectral Imager (cMAS) for Airborne, Spaceborne and Surface-based Observations

Shortwave imagery and multi-angle polarimetry for cloud and aerosol remote sensing is an increasingly important element of NASA aircraft missions, including the future Atmosphere Observing System (AOS, planned launch of the inclined orbit in 2031). The novel imager proposed here, called cMAS (Compact, Low-cost, Multi-angle, Multi-spectral Imager), will fill the need for an imager with wavelengths and resolutions that have not previously been achievable at ground stations, on aircraft, or in low Earth orbit. The cMAS imager will not fully replace the functionality of its namesake, eMAS, because it will only feature a sub-set of the eMAS wavelengths. However, cMAS it will operate without moving parts and will add forward and aft imaging for multi-angle science. An issue with the historical systems is that they are often one-of-a-kind, expensive (millions of dollars), large, and/or developed for a specific mounting location on an aircraft. As a result, it is difficult to fly them routinely, especially when using aircraft that are not originally intended or designed for remote sensing. The goal of this proposal is to develop a compact, low-cost, instrument capable of multi-angle (± 45°), multi-spectral (350 to 1600 nm) imaging with a wide swath. Importantly for our proposal, the manufacturer of the camera (3DPlus™) has now put a new version on the market, which is sensitive over wavelengths ranging from 350 to 1,600 nm, without the need for active or passive cooling. The main task in Phase I is to develop and test wide field-of-view, moderately achromatized optics that support multiple wavelengths in the spectral range from 350 to 1,600 nm. This will be accomplished in the SPEC optics lab using custom optics and the new 3DPlus™ camera. In Phase II, SPEC will build and calibrate a fully-functioning, multi-spectral instrument and conduct test flights on SPEC’s Learjet research aircraft. This will facilitate the eventual transition to a hardened, spaceborne instrument.

The Compact, Low-cost, Multi-angle, Multi-spectral Imager (cMAS) instrument will be capable of multi-angle, multi-spectral imaging in a small form factor at a small or moderate cost. The key innovation required to progress from a simple red-green-blue (RGB) camera to a compact SWIR-capable camera such as cMAS emerged during the development of the spaceborne NASA Libera mission, scheduled to launch in 2027. RGB cameras are large, heavy and require high-lift capability. In contrast, cMAS is small, light and has no moving parts. This will allow NASA to integrate cMAS into several new spaceborne platforms. The cMAS will be very attractive to private industry, which is rapidly evolving as force in commercializing spaceborne weather and climate monitoring. For example, Tomorrow.io has received over $250 million in funding to cover the globe with small, lightweight radar to improve weather forecasting in remote areas. The company plans to launch dozens of satellites in the next few years. Piggybacking a compact, lightweight, multi-angle spectral imager like cMAS onto these launches would provide passive measurements that would bolster radar data and improve forecasting and climate research. Other companies are racing to compete with Tomorrow.io and will provide a fertile environment for a commercialized cMAS.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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