Headwall's Hyperspectral Sensors Set to Lift Off with NT Space

Headwall Delivered Hyperspec® VNIR & SWIR Sensors to Cover Broad Spectral Wavelength Range of 380 to 2500 nm

Hyperspectral image from space

July 17, 2012

Fitchburg, MA, July 17, 2012 - Headwall Photonics, a leading supplier of high performance spectral imaging solutions, has completed the design, manufacture, and test of the space-qualified hyperspectral sensor payload for NT Space, a leading technology supplier and integrator of satellites and spacecraft and a subsidiary of NEC and Toshiba. The Headwall sensor systems have been delivered to NT Space for integration onto one of the world's foremost remote sensing satellite missions.

With this hyperspectral space platform, Headwall has introduced a new class of hyperspectral imaging sensors specifically designed for small satellite payloads that offer the industry's highest optical efficiency and widest field of view. The Hyperspec® Space sensors offer government programs and commercial satellite providers the ability to cost-effectively deliver new data services and imagery with a very small, affordable sensor payload that covers the VNIR (380-1000nm) and SWIR (950-2500nm) spectral regions.

With many years as an instrument supplier to NASA, Headwall was selected by NT Space to manufacture spectral imaging instrumentation in support of the scientific and remote sensing applications of the Japanese satellite mission. Japan's satellite will offer the world's first commercial hyperspectral data service products. Hyperspectral imagery is a critical technology in that it offers the remote sensing community the ability to detect not only the presence of objects but also identify, characterize, and quantify objects within the field of view of the satellite.



Headwall has very unique engineering capabilities which are well-suited for critical satellite and airborne applications. Headwall was selected because of its proven hyperspectral technology designs that offer a very tall image slit without introducing image distortions. This allows researchers to utilize a very wide field of view on the ground with exceptional spectral and spatial resolution--critical performance attributes for any satellite deployment.

"Headwall is very proud of its strong partnership with NT Space and the high level of technical collaboration generated throughout this project," said David Bannon, Headwall's Chief Executive Officer. "NT Space is a leading provider of space technologies and integrated solution platforms and we look forward to continued efforts on future projects."

Providing industry-leading spectral and spatial resolution, Headwall's patented Hyperspec® platform offers imaging sensors optimized for the following spectral regions:

■ Visible: 380 to 780 nanometers
■ Visible - Near Infrared: 380 to 1000 nanometers
■ Extended VNIR: 600 to 1700 nanometers
■ Near Infrared: 900 to 1700 nanometers
■ Short Wave Infrared: 950 to 2500 nanometers

NEC is a pioneer of Japan's space exploration program. It has been engaged in development of more than 60 satellites since Japan's first satellite "Ohsumi" launched in 1970. NEC's recent achievement includes development and production of a control system and robotic arm deployed in the Japanese Experimental Module "KIBO" of the International Space Station as well as system integration of HAYABUSA.

The Hyperspec-SWIR (Shortwave Infrared) imaging sensor provides unparalleled spectral and spatial performance in the spectral region from 950nm to 2500nm. Key attributes include high optical performance and throughput for superb imaging quality, wide field of view options customizable for operating efficiency and application-specific performance, and a robust architecture designed specifically for imaging in harsh environments. Being the industry's smallest SWIR hyperspectral sensor on the market, enables a range of new applications across a broad sector of the analytical market.

Hyperspec VNIR (Visible - Near Infrared) family of integrated hyperspectral imaging sensors are designed for the spectral region from 380nm to 1000nm. They are available as lens-based or multi-channel, multi-point fiber instruments. With different options for imaging performance, frame rates, and data management, users can select among three sensor models within the Hyperspec VNIR family to meet a range of high-performance applications.

Headwall Photonics is a leading designer and manufacturer of hyperspectral imaging spectrometers and spectral instrumentation for industrial, commercial, and government markets. Headwall's high performance instruments have been selected by military/defense departments, OEMs, and end-user customers around the world for use in critical application environments. Headwall enjoys a market leadership position through the design and manufacture of spectral instrumentation that is customized for application-specific performance.