Imagine capturing the vastness of space with unparalleled clarity and precision—a game-changer for the New Space era. Teledyne Space Imaging is making this a reality, announcing the upcoming availability of its upscreened industrial CMOS image sensors, specifically engineered for the rigors of space exploration. But here’s where it gets exciting: by the end of 2025, not only will Engineering Models (EMs) be ready, but evaluation kits and integration tools will also be at your fingertips, streamlining the journey from concept to launch.
Based in Grenoble, France, Teledyne’s cutting-edge facility has developed two sensor variants—the Ruby 1.3M USV and the Emerald Gen2 12M USV—offering resolutions of 1.3MP and 12MP, respectively. These sensors aren’t just powerful; they’re versatile, designed for applications ranging from Earth observation and star tracking to monitoring cameras, space suits, rovers, and even moon landers. And this is the part most people miss: each sensor undergoes meticulous delta space qualification and radiation testing, including Single Event Latch-up (SEL), Single Event Effect (SEE), and Single Event Functional Interrupt (SEFI) assessments, ensuring they meet the highest standards for space missions.
But here’s where it gets controversial: while Teledyne’s U1 and U3 screening levels align with industry standards like ESCC9020 and NASA Class 3, some experts argue whether these qualifications are sufficient for the increasingly demanding conditions of deep space exploration. What do you think? Are these standards future-proof, or do we need to push the boundaries further?
To accelerate integration and reduce time-to-market, Teledyne e2v provides a comprehensive toolkit, including Engineering Models, evaluation kits, and reference designs. Paired with their dedicated support team, this ensures a seamless transition from design to deployment. As Frédéric Devrière, Product Manager at Teledyne e2v, puts it, ‘This is a significant leap in making high-performance imaging accessible to a broader range of space missions, enabling faster and more affordable innovation in Earth observation, planetary exploration, and commercial applications.’
Mark your calendars for Space Tech Expo Europe 2025, held November 18–20 in Bremen, Germany, where Teledyne will showcase a live demonstration of the Emerald Gen2 12M USV sensor at booth B09. This isn’t just a display—it’s a glimpse into the future of space imaging.
Teledyne Space Imaging, part of Teledyne Technologies, continues to lead the way in advanced imaging solutions, with operations spanning the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Europe. Their commitment to high-performance, high-reliability semiconductors for space applications is unmatched. But here’s a thought-provoking question: As space exploration becomes more commercialized, how will companies like Teledyne balance affordability with the need for cutting-edge technology? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!
For more information, visit Teledyne’s website at www.teledyne.com and explore the future of space imaging at Teledyne Space Imaging - Everywhereyoulook!
