Low-Cost Small Space Camera Using COTS Technology

Paper number

IAC-08.D1.2.3

Author

Prof. Shinichi Kimura, Tokyo University of Science, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Akira Miyasaka, Japan

Coauthor

Mr. Meguru Yamauchi, Japan

Coauthor

Dr. Naoki Miyashita, Japan

Year

2008

Abstract

In space activities, it is becoming essentially important to achieve visual capability.  Based on advances in space systems, spacecraft and their missions are becoming highly complex.  Thus, both telemetry data and visual information are important for monitoring such highly complex space systems .  A visual capability can also be used for sensing, such as with star sensors.  Visual information is also highly educational and entertaining.  Small satellites , including university satellites , are becoming popular, and visual capability is important in such cases for education and mission variation.  Therefore , a small, low-cost space camera is needed in various applications.
 While devices for terrestrial application are continually being improved, there has been less progress on devices for use in space , which must be extremely reliable in a harsh environment.  However, if devices that are commonly used on the ground could also be used in space, and still provide high performance, the development costs for devices used in space could be greatly reduced.  We are currently studying COTS verification and utilization technologies and promoting verification experiments on advanced devices and technologies in space.  
Based on a variety of COTS devices and various experience in space missions, our research group is developing low-cost space equipment.  We have considerable experience in this field , especially with camera and image-processing systems.
We performed a hyper-vacuum test and a radiation test for a small COT imaging unit, which weighs less than 100mg , including the lens.  The imager could survive a hyper-vacuum condition , and no serious degradation or out-gassing were observed in the plastic lens throughout the hyper-vacuum conditions.  The imaging unit also provided adequate performance throughout the radiation test.  Therefore , we concluded that this imaging module could be successfully used in orbital conditions .
 With this imaging unit, FPGA and other COTS devices, we are now developing a special low-cost, small space camera.  The target size is about 60cc and the target weight is about 60g.  The camera includes image-processing capabilities , such as image compression and target recognition.
In this paper, we present the results of a qualification test of COTS devices and our low-cost COTS-based small space camera.

Abstract document

IAC-08.D1.2.3.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.D1.2.3.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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