SBIR-STTR Award

The MetNet Space Consortium is currently developing a network of LEO small weather satellite constellations including imagers, upper atmosphere dynamics, microwave, space weather, and most importantly Hyperspectral IR Sounders. The proposed Compact Hyperspectral Infrared Sounding Instrument (CHISI) mission would provide one of the top observations needed for improving weather forecasts through temperature profiles, moisture profiles, and atmospheric motion vector (AMV) 3D winds. Brandywines proposed solution is to provide this global, high resolution, hyperspectral infrared (LWIR) sounding data through a resilient low-cost network of 24 to 48 small LEO satellites, and later three (3) dedicated GEO small satellites. The LEO constellation will provide high-resolution, global coverage, while the GEO satellites provide rapid scans of dynamic events such as storms and hurricanes. By taking advantage of mature TRL-9 interferometer technology, it may be possible to achieve payload readiness within 18-months after funding. In this proposal, we shall review instrument performance and weather data products with the sponsor, provide a mission design, and determine compatibility and requirements for implementation on a LEO or GEO spacecraft constellation.Infrared Sounding,Atmospheric Motion Vectors,3D Winds,Temperature Sounding,Moisture Sounding,Cloud Characterization,Weather Satellite Follow-on,ORS-8

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. ---------- Cameras for imaging for space are often highly customized for specific applications with long development cycles. The Compact Hyper/Multi-spectral Infrared/Visible Imager Interface Electronics (CHIMInE) will be a rapidly reconfigurable camera electronics board set adaptable to either Visible or Infrared Focal Planes with only a change in the "personality" board. Brandywine Photonics proposes development of these interface electronics for the WeatherSat Visible and Infrared instruments suitable for spaceflight operation, with final delivery being design documentation sufficient for build-to-print manufacturing and an Engineering Development Unit test report. The two electronics sets developed would be for the Low-light CMOS Image Sensor and the Type-2 Strained Layer Superlattice Infrared Focal Plane Array (IRFPA) on a COTS Readout Integrated Circuit. The CHMInIE electronics design should be readily adaptable to other image sensors and infrared Focal Plane Arrays with only minor changes in the sensor personality card and FPGA firmware, depending on the exact specifications on frame rate and format of other sensors. Space flight board manufacturing is not included.