TSC-1 Offner Spectrometer Prototype Characterization

Abstract

The Thai Space Consortium (TSC) has undertaken the development of an Offner spectrometer prototype for the TSC-1 satellite mission, aiming to enhance Earth observation capabilities. Through systematic parameter selection and radiometric analyses, optimal performance of the hyperspectral imager within established specifications was achieved in the previous study. The design phase involved selecting a two-mirror off-axis telescope coupled with the Offner spectrometer for its diffraction-limited performance. Rigorous testing validated the prototype’s alignment with simulated performance, affirming its ability to meet demanding Earth observation requirements. The experimental results demonstrate that the Offner spectrometer prototype has been successfully developed. The spatial resolution ranges between 21.0 and 24.1 µm, and the spectral resolution ranges between 7.3 and 8.7 nm, with no significant distortion. Furthermore, the signal-to-noise ratio at 550 nm is 100. This achievement positions the TSC at the forefront of innovative Earth observation instrumentation in Thailand, with implications for future space missions requiring precise and efficient hyperspectral imaging.