VENµS – a Super-Spectral Satellite Camera

Paper number

IAC-07-B1.2.09

Author

Mr. Jeremy Topaz, Elbit Systems Electrooptics ElOp Ltd., Israel

Coauthor

Francesc Tinto, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France

Coauthor

Olivier Hagolle, Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES), France

Coauthor

Tuvia Sprecher, Elbit Systems, Electro Optics, ELOP Ltd., Israel

Year

2007

Abstract

In order to evaluate the acquisition and application of remote sensing with high spectral and spatial resolution and short revisit time, an experimental satellite camera with 11 narrow spectral bands in the VNIR region is being developed by El-Op in a cooperative project between CNES (France) and the Israel Space Agency. The camera will be mounted on a satellite bus built by Israel Aircraft Industries, which will also carry an experimental ion propulsion system developed by Rafael (Israel).
The satellite, called "VENµS" (Vegetation, Environment monitoring on a New Micro-Satellite) is intended to operate for at least 3 years, in the first 2 of which, it will orbit at 720 km, giving a GSD of 5.3m and supply super-spectral images of a number of chosen sites. In the third year, it will be brought down to 420km altitude to test Rafael's newly-developed hall-effect motor for maneuvering and orbit control, but will continue the imaging function also. The camera is based on an earlier development project, the "DAVID" MSRS camera. The camera exploits the sensitivity of TDI detectors to achieve high signal-to-noise ratios. An additional band, identical to one of the 11, will allow stereo images for elevation modeling. The orbit and choice of sites enables a two-day revisit interval over most of the Earth. 
The paper will describe the system, its characteristics and some of the considerations involved in the design.  

Abstract document

IAC-07-B1.2.09.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-B1.2.09.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.