The integrated Standard Imager for Microsatellites (iSIM): An agile, high-resolution, multispectral EO camera for the new constellations of small satellites

iSIM is a compact, robust binocular camera for Earth Observations (EO) developed by SATLANTIS providing diffraction-limited images from 450 nm to 1 micron. iSIM is currently the only EO imager that can continuously operate while the satellite moves both along and across its orbit, and it is best suited for tracking irregular linear structures from Low Earth Orbit (e.g., coastlines, borders or pipelines). iSIM-170 has an effective aperture of 150mm and a focal length of 1500mm. The electronics combine COTS CMOS detectors and components with SATLANTIS proprietary technology of on-board image processors to implement super-resolution and multi-spectral capabilities.

At 500km altitude, iSIM-170 will provide images in four bands (RGB+NIR) with a swath of 7.5km and GRD=1.1m at 600nm. The final spatial resolution after applying our super-resolution and multi-spectral techniques depends only on wavelength, i.e., it does not depend on the number of bands. The total mass is below 15kg, making iSIM-170 one of the smallest, most powerful cameras in the market for EO microsatellites. The Flight Model (FM) of iSIM-170 is currently scheduled to be launched to the ISS in Q1 2020. The Qualification Model (QM) of iSIM-170 performed functional, thermal-vacuum cycling, vibration tests during Q4 2018 while radiation tests have been performed during Q1 2019. The QM of iSIM-170 will be flown on-board a high-altitude airplane in Q3 2019 to demonstrate fully its agility, super-resolution and multi-spectral capabilities. In this paper we present the results of the QM tests, the airplane imaging campaign, and the preparations for launching the FM of iSIM-170 to the ISS.