Design and performance evaluation of low cost, medium resolution imaging payload for nanosatellites

Abstract

The main objective of any onboard imaging system is to remotely take images of the region of interest from space. For high resolution images, large aperture size telescopes are used which require large satellite structures. In case of small satellites (especially Nanosatellites) low resolution acquisition systems are used to acquire imaging data. This paper discusses an imaging payload design specifically designed for Nanosatellites where there are constraints of size, weight, and power. Design of optics, selection of sensor, generic software flow diagram and overall design topology are discussed in this paper. Finally the designed payload is evaluated based on the power consumption, operational environment, spatial resolution and cost of development. Payload is made using industrial components hence the operational temperature is limited to −25°C to 70°C, this temperature limit is for internal temperature of the components. The standby power consumption is way under 10mW. The project is delivered in the form of a PCB of 9cm × 9cm along with the software platform for complete offline testing.