HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – October 9, 2018 – The first hyperspectral images from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Earth Sensing Imaging Spectrometer (DESIS) Hyperspectral Imager have been received and transmitted back to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS). The imager, designed by DLR, is the first payload hosted aboard the Teledyne (NYSE:TDY) Multi-User System for Earth Sensing (MUSES) platform. DESIS is a hyperspectral sensor system capable of recording image data using 235 closely-arranged wavelength channels across the visible to near-infrared spectra. The instrument was developed in collaboration with Teledyne Brown Engineering to maximize efficiencies and function aboard the platform on the ISS. With continuous coverage at an altitude approximately 250 miles above the Earth, the DESIS instrument will be used to broaden our knowledge about agriculture, climate change, geology and water ecosystems.
“This is such an exciting accomplishment for our team,” stated Jan Hess, President of Teledyne Brown Engineering. “A tremendous effort went into the design, build, launch and installation of the MUSES platform. Close coordination with our DLR partners resulted in first images being taken in record time. The successful integration of these two systems on the ISS is a testament to Teledyne Brown Engineering’s experience as a provider of world-class space systems and scientific instruments. Seeing these images sent from low Earth orbit in less than 48 hours from installation is a monumental achievement for both MUSES and DESIS.” DESIS launched on June 29, 2018, and was installed on August 27, 2018. The system began sending images to earth on August 29, 2018.
The hyperspectral images received from DESIS will be available through partnerships with DLR, NASA, the Alabama Remote Sensing Consortium and commercially available through Teledyne Brown Engineering. Data collected by this instrument will allow scientists, students and researchers to examine materials that make up the Earth and changes in its conditions. This unique data will assist with a variety of applications for the advancement of science as well as humanitarian efforts.
About Teledyne Brown Engineering
Teledyne Brown Engineering is an industry leader in full-spectrum engineering and advanced manufacturing solutions for harsh environments in space, defense, energy, and maritime industries. For over six decades, the company has successfully delivered innovative systems, integration, operations and technology development worldwide. For more information about Teledyne Brown Engineering, visit www.tbe.com.
About Teledyne Technologies Incorporated
Teledyne Technologies is a leading provider of sophisticated instrumentation, digital imaging products and software, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne Technologies’ operations are primarily located in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Western and Northern Europe. For more information, visit Teledyne Technologies’ website at www.teledyne.com.
About DLR
The German Aerospace Center (DLR) is the national aeronautics and space research center of the Federal Republic of Germany. Its extensive research and development work in aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security and digitalization is integrated into national and international cooperative ventures. In addition to its own research, as Germany’s space agency, DLR has been given responsibility by the federal government for the planning and implementation of the German space program. DLR is also the umbrella organization for one of Germany’s largest project management agencies.