Compact Ultra High Hyperspectral Imaging Of Planetary Targets From Small Space Platforms

The most commonly used technique for high spectral resolution (R) studies are grating spectrometers. But they have small FOV and because of their low étendue, they have to be paired with large aperture telescopes which is not suitable for temporal observations due to high competitive nature of allocation time. Fabry-Pérot Interferometers (FPI) and FTS are the other best known types of high étendue, high R spectrometers used in astronomy. But their opto-mechnical tolerances becomes challenging and the transmission of their optics drops below 130 nm. Reflective Spatial Heterodyne Spectrometer (RSHS) is a candidate for high étendue, high spectral R spectroscopy in compact low cost, low-mass, low-power architecture using no or small aperture telescope for UV to IR wavelengths. RSHS provides integrated spectra at high spectral R, over a wide FOV in compact designs in which it offers the ability to make key science measurements for a variety of planetary targets. High R spectrometers are usually limited by the telescope aperture size and complicated opto-mechanical tolerances but that's not the case for RSHS. RSHS could be implemented on a dedicated SmallSat or ISS that can sit and stare at its target for long duration of time that cannot be done from the ground or on big missions. For high temporal observations SmallSats are lower cost, faster to build, relatively easy to correct and upgrade.