Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean

Introduction
NovaSol is teamed with Utah State University's Space Dynamics Lab and the University of Hawaii to design, develop and deploy a system to provide global hyperspectral access from the International Space Station. The program is supported by the Naval Reasearch Laboratory / Office of Naval Research.

Data Distribution and Analysis Center
HICO will have a data distribution and analysis center in Hawaii that will develop the nucleus for a new industry in Hawaii. The facility, which will have the only commercially available hyperspectral space-based data available in the world, will be run in partnership by both academic and industry teams. The market for this is expected to grow to $117M annually by 2005 (Source: Aerospace report No. TOR-2001(8511)-1). Additionally, HICO will provide value-added reseller (VAR) opportunities to utilize data for numerous commercial and Department of Defense applications.

Applications for Space-based Hyperspectral Data

• Department of Defense applications
• Mining & mineral exploration
• Oil & gas exploration
• Environmental
• Agriculture
• Disaster relief
• Global Science
• Homeland Defense
• Search and Rescue
• Forestry

HICO Provides Global Access. ISS orbit samples 104 degrees of latitude.

HICO Coverage. HICO provides comprehensive global coverage and frequent repeat coverage.

HICO Engagements. In a calendar year, on average a point target will be engaged more than once per month.

System Components

• NovaSol: SWIR sensor
• NRL PHILLS: Visible HSI sensor
• SDL: Pointing and stabilization system

ISS WORF (Window Observational Research Facility) provides shirt-sleeve environment for sensors, allowing rapid deployment of aircraft-derived systems. HICO integrates two hyperspectral systems with a telescope and stabilization/pointing design funded by NASA.

VIS/NIR NRL's PHILLS-3	SWIR NovaSol's 1600 System

System Specifications

• 256-band hyperspectral imager deployed on the ISS
• 20 meter ground resolution
• Spectral coverage from 400-2350 nm
• Two-year mission minimum

Related Work
HICO leverages research done for a NASA Phase A study done at the University of Hawaii. (Click the image below to enlarge it.)