The IAC presents DRAGO-3, its new infrared camera for satellite constellations

First images captured by the Canary satellite ALISIO-1
First images captured by the Canary satellite ALISIO-1
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The Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) has started its development of DRAGO-3, the third generation of its instrument: Demonstrator for Remote Analysis of Ground Observations (DRAGO), designed for Earth observation from  space in the short wave infrared region of the spectrum (SWIR).

This new instrument comes after the success of DRAGO-1 and DRAGO-2, which have proved their utility in key applications such as following volcanic eruptions, hydrological monitoring of regions affected by climate change, and the control of forest fires. Both the previous models have shown their viability in SWIR observations from small satellite platforms

DRAGO-3 is a qualitative step forward in resolution, sensitvity and efficiency, as well as incorporating a modular design to facilitate his integration in future satellite constellations. This evolution is part of the roadmap of the IACTEC-Space division of the IAC in collaboration with the Cabildo of Tenerife, aimed at driving the technological capacity of the archipelago in the space field.

Full-scale render of DRAGO-3

 

The team in charge of the project is mainly made up of personnel of IACTEC-Space, and from the Instrumentation Division of the IAC. In barely four years this group has managed to prove several technologies in orbit with a record of 100% success, including the launching of the first Canary satellite ALISIO-1 in December 2023.

During this process a patent has been successfully filed for the calibration and characterization of InGaAs sensors, key to the improvement of the yield of the instruments in space. This innovation has been fundamental in consolidating the capability of the IAC in infrarred observations from small satellites, opening the way for the development of low cost SWIR constellations.

“DRAGO-3 is the next step along our roue to offer society useful tools for territorial management, and a response to natural catastrophes such as fires or volcanic eruptions” explains José Alonso Burgal, the manager of IACTEC-Space, adding that “Its main advantage is that it offers a superior result at a significantly lower cost than other technologies on the market, making the Canaries an emerging reference in the space sector.

According to Alex Ozcoz, the Principal Investigator of the project “The quality of the images obtained with DRAGO-2 from the satellite ALISIO-1 shows the technological capability we have in the Canaries. With DRAGO-3 we continue to advance on a line which provides efficient and affordable solutions, useful here and also in other parts of the world”

DRAGO-3 has been conceived in direct response to the requirements put together by the IACTEC-Space team after years of contact with scientific institutions, public organisms, technological companies and emergency services, all of them interested in SWIR data for objectives such as environmental monitoring, precision agriculture, the management of water resources, and security.

This instrument represents not only an advance in technology, but a strategic bet by the IAC for more affordable Earth observation, which is useful and adpated to the current challenges of the planet.

More information on the following link:

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News type
Press release
Scope
IACTEC
Technology
Observing tools
Communications media
Space instrumentation
Microsatellite
DRAGO-3, IACTEC, Satélite

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