Hyperspectral camera based on liquid crystals for use in small satellites

Nanosatellite and CubeSat remote sensing platforms for Earth observation missions are steadily growing in number due to their great potential for cost effectiveness. For this reason, there is a significant interest in developing small hyperspectral and multispectral cameras for earth observation compatible with the constraints of these satellite platforms. These cameras offer the advantage of operating at different spectral bands simultaneously, overcoming limitations of single-wavelength cameras, and facilitating tasks such as object classification and material identification. In this context, the use of hyperspectral cameras based on liquid crystal variable retarders (LCVRs) enables the realization of more compact devices, as they can replace dispersive elements, mirrors, and rotating polarization optics, as well as reducing costs, all of which are essential for the emerging small satellite sector. We have recently implemented LCVR technology onboard the Solar Orbiter mission to perform polarization measurements of the incoming light from the Sun. This is the first time to our knowledge this technology has been implemented for space instrumentation. Based on our implementation of LCVR technology for space, we are developing new instrumentation for hyperspectral imaging based on the principles of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). We will demonstrate several hardware configurations of the hyperspectral camera using LCVRs of different thicknesses. We will discuss the hardware specifications, driving schemes and trade-offs associated with the use of LCVRs in a FTIR configuration.