Leonardo DRS Demonstration Mission Utilizes Innovative Technology to Capture Earth Images for NASA
April 18 2023 - 4:30PM
Business Wire
Leonardo DRS, Inc. (NASDAQ:DRS) announced today that its new
high-precision radiometer technology is being used to measure the
Earth’s surface temperature from space. The image collection from
the company’s Multiband Uncooled SmallSat Imaging Radiometer
(MUSIR) payload is part of an innovative demonstration mission for
NASA. MUSIR, with its unique, space-based uncooled thermal imaging
radiometer technology, is paving the way for small, affordable
satellite constellations.
A constellation of satellites would allow for faster revisit
times, enabling more frequent measurements that are important
during times of change on the Earth’s surface. DRS, working closely
with NASA, was able to move from design to launch readiness in just
under 16 months.
“As the mission prime responsible for all aspects of this effort
including the payload and ground data processing, DRS was able to
meet NASA’s goals of a very tight timeline in a cost-efficient
manner,” said Jerry Hathaway, vice president and general manager of
the Leonardo DRS Electro-Optical and Infrared Systems business
unit.
The MUSIR payload launched aboard a small, commercial satellite
earlier this year. It is testing a new technique using bolometers
in an instrument operated at room temperature to perform
high-precision radiometry for measuring Earth’s surface temperature
from space. The technology could pave the way for future satellite
constellations dedicated to measuring infrared energy radiating
from Earth’s surface.
Traditionally, Long Wavelength Infrared radiometers, have used
cooled Focal Plane Array (FPA) technology, that require large,
high-powered cryogenic coolers to achieve the necessary cold
temperature for operation. By using an uncooled FPA, which can
operate at room temperatures and tailored for space, the innovative
DRS design eliminated the need for cryogenic coolers. The uncooled
technology makes the radiometer instrument much lighter, smaller
and with a much lower power requirement, suitable for a SmallSat or
a CubeSat.
“This imaging instrument will benefit scientists studying planet
earth by enabling precision multispectral thermal infrared
measurements with high revisit times through the use of
constellations of small, affordable instruments,” Hathaway said.
“Applying our advanced sensing technology to the growing space
marketplace is one of DRS’s growth vectors. This market requires
innovative technology that can get on orbit quickly at affordable
costs. The MUSIR program demonstrates that DRS has the capability
and experience to accomplish these goals.”
DRS is a leading provider of advanced cooled and uncooled
infrared camera systems for the U.S. government and allies around
the world. It has an extensive installed base across multiple
domains, including space. Sensing technology is a key strategic
focus for Leonardo DRS as the company brings together its
industry-leading sensing capabilities and laser technologies for a
range of programs across the U.S. government.
About Leonardo DRS
Headquartered in Arlington, VA, Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an
innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to
U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We
specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced
sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power
and propulsion, and other leading mission-critical technologies.
Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive
technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and
multi-domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging
threats. For more information and to learn more about our full
range of capabilities, visit www.LeonardoDRS.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains statements that constitute
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements reflect
current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future
performance and economic conditions. The company cautions investors
that any forward-looking statements which include contract values,
contract performance and our development and production of products
are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual
results and future trends to differ materially from those matters
expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements.
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Leonardo DRS Investor Relations Contact Steve Vather Vice
President, Investor Relations and Corporate Finance +1 703 409 2906
stephen.vather@drs.com
Leonardo DRS Media Contact Michael Mount Vice President,
Communications and Public Affairs +1 571 447 4624
mmount@drs.com
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