NanoEye -- Ultra-Light-Weight Surveillance System

Microcosm and its principal subcontractor, ITT Space Systems Division, propose to develop an EO/IR payload for unmanned, high-altitude airships or satellites in LEO or HEO. ITT has a current design for a 10-inch, f/10, physically compact, space-based instrument that weighs less than 3.0 kg. At visible wavelengths, it would provide a nadir resolution of 0.05 m at 20 km, 0.8 m at 300 km, and 10 m at 4,000 km. Microcosm has extensive experience in both Operationally Responsive Space and space mission design, particularly for small satellites. During Phase I, we will work with the Government to determine the system requirements, develop a conceptual payload design, and strawman bus and mission concepts, including key parameters that will impact payload design such as pointing, stability, power, availability, duty cycles, coverage, search and scan approaches, radiation hardening, commanding, and data delivery. In Phase II, we will demonstrate the technical feasibility by building a prototype camera system and defining a low-cost test program to verify performance in both high-altitude and space environments. At the end of Phase II the unit will be at TRL 5 and ready for advancement to TRL 6 or 7, depending on the choice of follow-on tests.