Sensors Unlimited's SWIR Cameras In Space, Slated For Lunar Crash, Oct. 9, 2009
Sensors Unlimited, Inc., part of Goodrich ISR Systems and manufacturers of shortwave infrared (SWIR) cameras and systems based on indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) imaging technology, announces that two of Goodrich’s SWIR-InGaAs cameras have been launched into space and are now in transit to the moon aboard NASA’s Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) spacecraft. According to NASA, the main mission of LCROSS is to confirm the presence or absence of water ice on the moon. At 7:30 AM (EDT) on Friday, October 9, 2009, the LCROSS spacecraft will separate into two sections, with the Centaur rocket impacting the lunar surface, kicking up a large plume of dust. The shepherding spacecraft section will follow four minutes later to image and analyze the resultant dust plume for water vapor. Goodrich’s InGaAs cameras are ideal for detecting the strong moisture contrast in the shortwave infrared.
Ed Hart, VP and General Manager of Goodrich ISR Systems (Princeton, NJ), notes, “We are delighted that two of our InGaAs-SWIR cameras are part of this exciting mission to determine whether there is water on the moon. Both Goodrich cameras were selected for the mission over three years ago and integrated into the imaging payload of the shepherding spacecraft. Since the launch a few weeks ago, they have been checked out in space and are working well. Upon LCROSS lunar impact on October 9, 2009, our cameras will be part of the fly-by spacecraft imaging system that will document the resulting debris expected to rise above the lunar surface and help determine whether water vapor is present or not.”
NASA documents note that debris plumes are expected to be visible from Earth- and space-based telescopes, 10-to 12-inches and larger. For more information on the LCROSS mission, go to: www.lcross.arc.nasa.gov. The LCROSS lunar impact will be broadcast live on October 9, 2009 on NASA TV.
About Sensors Unlimited, Inc.,
Sensors Unlimited, Inc., part of Goodrich Corporation, based in Princeton, NJ, has pioneered the design and production of NIR and SWIR cameras and systems utilizing advanced Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) imaging technology for industrial, commercial, military, agricultural, and scientific markets. For additional information on InGaAs-based shortwave infrared imaging detectors, arrays, and systems, visit www.sensorsinc.com.
About Goodrich Corporation
Goodrich Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, is a global supplier of systems and services to aerospace, defense and homeland security markets. With one of the most strategically diversified portfolios of products in the industry, Goodrich serves a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and service facilities. For more information, visit www.goodrich.com.