Abstract: An integrated circuit for generating image data comprises a focal-plane array of unit cells, a controller, and a memory structure having a plurality of storage locations. Each unit cell may store charge based on detected photons. The controller may read a value based on the stored charge from at least some of the unit cells, and either add the read value to an existing value in the corresponding storage location when operating in frame-sum mode, or add the read value to an existing value in a shifted storage location when operating in time-delay integration (TDI) mode. This may allow faint objects as well as objects moving in the field-of-view of the focal-plane array to be observed. The integrated circuit may be fabricated from radiation-hardened CMOS technology and may be a layer of a sensor chip assembly.

Abstract: An optical apparatus and method for measuring the attitude of an object in outer space includes an optical system having an aperture to receive optical radiation and a focal plane to image the optical radiation and an aperture-sharing element attached to the optical element and at least partially surrounding an optical path into the aperture. The aperture-sharing element directs optical radiation from a field of view of the aperture-sharing element to a corresponding first portion of the focal plane to provide multi-axis stellar attitude measurements, and the aperture receives optical radiation along the optical path into the aperture and directs the optical radiation to a second portion of the focal plane.

Abstract: An integrated circuit for generating image data comprises a focal-plane array of unit cells, a controller, and a memory structure having a plurality of storage locations. Each unit cell may store charge based on detected photons. The controller may read a value based on the stored charge from at least some of the unit cells, and either add the read value to an existing value in the corresponding storage location when operating in frame-sum mode, or add the read value to an existing value in a shifted storage location when operating in time-delay integration (TDI) mode. This may allow faint objects as well as objects moving in the field-of-view of the focal-plane array to be observed. The integrated circuit may be fabricated from radiation-hardened CMOS technology and may be a layer of a sensor chip assembly.

Abstract: An optical apparatus and method for measuring the attitude of an object in outer space includes an optical system having an aperture to receive optical radiation and a focal plane to image the optical radiation and an aperture-sharing element attached to the optical element and at least partially surrounding an optical path into the aperture. The aperture-sharing element directs optical radiation from a field of view of the aperture-sharing element to a corresponding first portion of the focal plane to provide multi-axis stellar attitude measurements, and the aperture receives optical radiation along the optical path into the aperture and directs the optical radiation to a second portion of the focal plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptive optic system for an earth-viewing telescope on board an orbiting spacecraft. The adaptive optic system includes a deformable mirror, a synthetic guide star laser, and a control module that corrects not only on-axis wavefront error but also off-axis wavefront error.