ARTEMIS-ADVANCED RESPONSIVE TACTICALLY EFFECTIVE MILITARY IMAGING SPECTROMETER

ARTEMIS

Overview

Raytheon was founded in 1922 by college roommates, since then the company has lead the way in technological advancements for our military to commercial applications. Here are some of the technologies advancements Raytheon produced: Magnetron Tubes, Shipboard Radar, Microwave Cooking, Guided Missiles, NASA Communications Systems, Patriot Missile System and Transistors. Raytheon which employs some 72,000 people worldwide and last year generated revenues of around $21.3 billion is currently developing new innovative technologies that are changing the face of surveillance systems for our nations defense.

ARTEMIS or Advanced Responsive Tactically Effective Military Imaging Spectrometer

Built for the U.S Air Forces TacSat-3 mission, the Artemis is a sophisticated hyperspectral imaging sensor with an objective of to obtain surveillance photos of otherwise hidden objects and materials, therefore commanders can make tactical moves reducing the risk of life loss by assessing a tactical battle strategy. ARTEMIS is low cost and uses off-the-shelf commercial components which is designed to be assembled and deployed within 7 days in earths low orbit at a fraction of the cost of traditional space launches.

Technology Behind ARTEMIS

The ARTEMIS hyperspectral imaging sensor uses the short-wave infrared spectrum. Its components include a high-resolution panchromatic imagery, telescope, optics, focal plane array, and control/readout electronics. (Excerpt) In addition to sensor development and delivery, Raytheon’s TacSat3 responsibilities include integration support and assistance during in-flight calibration verification.

Benefits of ARTEMIS

Quick-reaction optical payload spots hidden targets
Provides real-time intelligence data to field commanders
Can be launched as needed
Designed to be mounted on a satellite, launched, and in orbit within days
Significantly reduces overall space mission costs

Impressions of Raytheons ARTEMIS

With the Military’s exorbitantly large budget, cutting costs and providing efficient ways to deploy new technology is a plus. When cutting costs you don’t want to risk life of our soldiers in combat and I feel Raytheon’s ARTEMIS greatly reduces the risk of soldier injury or death by providing detailed surveillance of hidden objects such as IED’s buried along roadsides. The future of space based surveillance systems are here with the TacSat-3 and Artemis satellites cause of the affordability to make them for specific missions. Together with advanced surveillance, reconnaissance, and communications capabilities battlefield commanders will be able to make strategic decisions in a timely manner more effectively and quickly than in any previous missions.

Source: Raytheon