This is for the Northampton-based company to continue development of its “Nuscis” ultra low-light camera for Earth Observation applications. For example, the company cites applications such as monitoring crop health, measuring thermospheric wind speeds, and mapping polar ice during winter darkness.
The competitive grant follows XCAM’s completion of the first phase of the project, which saw £200,000 of funding from CEOI in October 2023. The new grant supports an eight-month extension.
Ultra-low noise
The aim is to deliver a flight-ready, ultra-low-noise camera system capable of capturing exceptionally high-quality images of Earth. This will include in extremely low-light conditions.
Specifically, it will achieve full 30 frames-per-second capability, says XCAM. Also, its ultra-low noise optimisation is to approach 0.25 electrons rms “photon-counting” sensitivity. And radiation validation will ensure reliability in the space environment.
Image: XCAM – NuSCIS with BAE Systems Sensor Solutions’ HWK4123
See also: UK Space Agency funds XCAM’s Nuscis camera system for small satellite format
