Two new commercial satellites will carry hyperspectral sensors that will greatly expand detection capabilities.
The sensors, developed by Raytheon, will be carried on two satellites that Boeing is building for HySpecIQ, according to a Raytheon news release. Potential customers include the U.S. government as well as the oil and gas industry.
"Raytheon's hyperspectral imaging technology captures light across a wide swath of the electromagnetic spectrum, giving commercial, civilian and military analysts important new insights into Earthly phenomena," the company said. "Sensor data will allow analysts to measure the mineral content of soil, characterize atmospheric pollutants and distinguish physical properties of materials otherwise undetectable to the naked eye."
The sensors will be integrated into the satellites in 2017. "For the first time, commercial markets will now have affordable access to the extraordinary advantages of hyperspectral imaging from space," said Raytheon Space Systems vice president Bill Hart,. "Raytheon is advancing this technology based upon flight-proven systems for both air and space."
