CIS120 sensors designed and manufactured by Teledyne Space Imaging have launched on the Japanese space mission GOSAT-GW

The Chelmsford-based company highlights the two sensors will play a significant part in what is the third of a series of Japanese climate change and Earth observation satellite missions.

TANSO-3

They are part of the TANSO-3 instrument (Total Anthropogenic and Natural emissions mapping SpectrOmeter-3).

TANSO-3 has been designed to provide high-precision, wide-area monitoring of greenhouse gases in space to gauge their effects on climate change. Specifically, it will be observing carbon dioxide, methane and nitrogen dioxide. Other parts of the satellite will gather data around the physical qualities of water, such as sea surface temperatures.

Fully radiation tested, and life tested in extreme temperatures, the CIS120 sensors are space qualified for up to 14 years. Teledyne Space Imaging adds the sensors had to be modified with a new package. This was to connect both to the instrument’s specific cooling mechanism and the rest of the satellite.

The GOSAT-GW mission launched on Sunday 29 June, from the Tanegashima Space Center in Japan.

It is a collaboration between Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE), the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

GOSAT-GW

“We get very excited when we work on Earth observation missions such as GOSAT-GW, as we get to play an active part in monitoring carbon emissions and developing countermeasures,” said Ross Mackie, Principal Project Lead Engineer at Teledyne Space Imaging.

“In addition, we can help countries and organisations understand the science behind more extreme weather events and reduce their own environmental impact on the planet. Having our sensors onboard the GOSAT-GW satellite mission is a very special moment for us and the team is extremely proud of what we have achieved since winning the bid in 2019.”

The Teledyne Space Imaging team that designed the sensors on the Japanese space mission GOSAT-GW

Pictured above are members of the Teledyne Space Imaging team that produced the CIS120 detector. They are, left to right, Julie Holowczyk​, Alice Gooday, Ashley Armstrong, Paul Marven, Ross Mackie, Frank Puczkowski, Rafael Gil Ot​ero and Jackie Shacklock.

Imaging data gathered from GOSAT-GW will be shared with other agencies and organisations, highlights Teledyne Space Imaging.

Images: Teledyne Space Imaging

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