On June 29, 2021, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) awarded Nüvü Camēras a contribution as part of the Space Technology Development Program to develop an EMCCD exoplanet imaging solution compatible with nanosatellite systems. This opportunity marks years of cutting-edge development supported and partly funded by the CSA. With this project, Nüvü plans to participate in future nanosatellite opportunities with a standardized product, commonly called “New Space”, which is more accessible in terms of financial budget, power, volume and weight.
This contract follows Nüvü Camēras’ implication in supplying the EMCCD readout electronics for the coronagraph instrument in the upcoming Hubble-like flagship space mission scheduled to launch in 2027 (more information) . Nüvü’s involvement in the imaging of exoplanets sends the clear message that its patented technology is a new enabler for space exploration missions.
Along with the ability for spaceborne direct imaging of planets outside of our solar system, the EMCCD technology offers tangible benefits and opportunities for many crucial applications in space, such as the growing field of Space Domain Awareness. It does so by enabling the detection of smaller and faster objects and is not limited by their composition.
Designing such technology for smaller space missions democratizes it, accelerating space exploration and bringing the Canadian imaging innovation to the forefront of new space detection applications.
