A Cubesat Hyperspectral Imager

Mapping spectrometers have been extremely useful in multiple NASA applications, from Earth climate monitoring to identifying hydrocarbon lakes on Titan. Traditionally, imaging spectroscopy systems are not only heavy but also large in order to accommodate the long path lengths needed for spectral separation. There are several varieties, such as push-broom and scanning imaging spectrometers, but hyperspectral framing cameras are still relatively rare and are often untenably bulky. However, framing cameras place fewer restrictions on platform motion and can complete their data acquisition more rapidly, which allows more time and power to be dedicated to other instruments. A chip-scale full-frame hyperspectral imager would provide the ideal balance: small, light, no moving parts, low power requirements, and suitable for numerous mission architectures. Nanohmics, teaming with Dr. Hewagama at the University of Maryland, proposes to develop a chip-scale hyperspectral imaging technology as a commercial solution for ultra-compact UV-VIS hyperspectral cameras for smallsat and CubeSat applications. The technology will provide spectral dispersion orders of magnitude smaller and lighter than grating or prism options with full spatial-spectral registration.

The measurements produced by the chip-scale hyperspectral imager will enable surface reconnaissance and characterization in support of planetary probes or sample return from asteroids, moons, and comets. Spatial and spectrally-resolved scattered light provides ice particle size distributions and compositional analysis, and gives insights about resurfacing events and water cycle processes. A framing camera enables movies of fast processes, including auroras and lightning, without requiring additional platform motion for each frame (allowing other instruments to remain focused) and provides spectral analysis for composition and aerosol size analysis. Search for organics and biomarkers through spectral composition analysis helps focus mission resources on the right areas and samples without changing color wheels. A framing camera enables movies of transient processes, including fluid phenomena like geysers.

The low-cost offering will help the technology enter the international commercial, military, and industrial markets. For example, agricultural industries can benefit from crop monitoring, environmental protection groups can monitor chemical dumping and cleanup, medical applications can improve measurement of biomarkers, and military surveillance applications can benefit from spectrally-resolved target identification.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.