Constellations of small satellites represent beneficial platforms for earth observation, atmospheric science, and Space Situational Awareness.
Headwall has demonstrated space experience. Small, lightweight, hardened versions of its customized commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) hyperspectral imaging sensors are in orbit now. These imaging spectrometers represent reduced-risk solutions for a wide range of space missions.
Headwall's customized COTS hyperspectral sensors are designed for use on small satellites to deliver high-resolution image data in the following spectral ranges:
Headwall specializes in both hyperspectral data acquisition and exploitation by providing imaging sensors and software solutions covering hundreds of spectral bands from UV-VIS to SWIR. Spectral data can be used for:
High-resolution spectral imaging sensors have the ability to collect data useful for monitoring air quality and pollution (including greenhouse gas emissions). Headwall provides imaging sensors such as the following that target specific spectral ranges with very high resolution:
A key advantage of Headwall's customized COTS approach is that it can produce mission-specific hyperspectral imaging sensors 'tuned' to high-resolution spectral bands. Headwall's imaging sensors measure solar-induced fluorescence:
During photosynthesis, plants emit what is called fluorescence. This is a form of light invisible to the naked eye but detectable by hyperspectral imaging sensors aboard satellites. NASA scientists established a method to turn this satellite data into global maps of the subtle phenomenon in more detail than ever before.