Nanosatellite Payloads for Tactical Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance

CubeSats offer substantial reductions in operation and launch costs, while reducing time between request and employment of the capability. To address the USSOCOM needs, SA Photonics proposes an Infra-red Multispectral Imager for CubeSats (IMICS). IMICS collects diffraction-limited hyperspectral earth imagery, allowing identification of personnel, operating vessels / vehicles, structures and terrain type. The obtained imagery is spectrally analyzed in the LWIR, improving positive classification of targets. Leveraging fundamental merits of LWIR hyperspectral imaging (HSI), SA Photonics will modify its existing compact HSI design for the CubeSat payload. This 6U form factor adaptation implies provisioning for multi-satellite HSI data fusion resulting in better image SNR and resolution. The multi-satellite network HSI data fusion will be developed post-Phase II, enabling enhancements to image signal and resolution, leading to improved ISR utility and reliability. Ultimately, the IMICS will enable the warfighter—after rapidly connecting to a satellite via conventional means—to have a day/night tactical overview of the battlefield with sub-diffraction limited resolution. After the satellite network enhancement, the imagery will allow an unprecedented level of detail for the form factor, sufficient to identify smaller structures, vehicles, troop formations and even a single person.