Compact Hyperspectral Infrared Sounding Interferometer (CHISI)

Hyperspectral Infrared Sounding has been identified as one of the top three observations needed for improving weather forecasts by providing temperature profiles, moisture profiles, and atmospheric motion vector (AMV) 3D winds. Brandywine Photonics’ proposed total solution is to provide global 2 Km resolution, 4-hr revisit, hyperspectral infrared (LWIR) sounding data through a constellation of 24-36 small LEO satellites, and later three (3) dedicated GEO hosted payloads. The Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation will provide high-resolution, global coverage, while the GEO satellites provide rapid scans of dynamic events such as storms and hurricanes. This Phase II will be a protoflight stratospheric infrared sounding instrument, designed to show that a commercially data product is viable and also supports the AF weather mission. By taking advantage of miniaturized COTS technology developed for high volume production interferometers by supplier ABB Inc., it will be possible to achieve a flight demo readiness within 12-months, and then a LEO mission with 18-months after Phase III Authority to Proceed.