Custom Solutions
Space, science and industrial applications
Camera Subassemblies
Components for customised systems
Space, science and industrial applications
Components for customised systems
NuSCIS is a compact imaging payload for SmallSats and CubeSats, designed to capture and process high-quality images from space.
Its modular architecture and multi-sensor flexibility allow full customisation for mission-specific needs, supporting CMOS, CCD, and EMCCD sensors with thermal control for ultra-low-light imaging.
Combining on-board processing and real-time decision capabilities with low mass, power, and volume requirements, NuSCIS offers a cost-effective, rapid-deployment solution for space imaging missions.
designed with flexibility in mind, NuSCIS supports various sensor types (CMOS, CCD, EM-CCD) and opto-mechanical solutions, allowing for easy customisation to meet specific mission requirements.
supports multiple sensor families including: Teledyne e2v Ruby, Teledyne e2v Sapphire, and Teledyne e2v CIS120 for high performance imaging; CMOSIS (AMS Osram) CMV2000, and CMOSIS CMV4000, offering options for RGB, monochromatic, and near-infrared imaging; and Fairchild imaging HWK4123 sensor for high performance low-light imaging.
operates with a low power footprint of less than 5W, making it suitable for power-constrained missions.
improves spatial and energy resolution by adjusting the detector orientation to the x-ray beam.
optional auxiliary boards can include sensor temperature control, ensuring optimal performance of imaging sensors.
ICB is a complete single-board imaging solution that can operate up to two CMOS sensors in a low-profile PC104 1/4U format. It has onboard data processing capability and handles telemetry, telecommanding, and data transfer through various common data interfaces.
monitoring environmental changes, assessing natural disasters, and collecting data for climate studies.
aiding in tracking and monitoring space debris, satellites, and other objects in Earth's orbit. Enables rendezvous and proximity operations.
facilitates tasks such as satellite assembly, repair, and upgrading by providing high-resolution imaging for precise operations.
covering wavelength ranges from X-ray, EUV, UV, visible and
near-IR.
At the core of the NuSCIS platform is the NuSCIS Imager Controller Board (ICB)—a compact, low-power, single-board solution that supports multiple families of TRL8/9 CMOS sensors. The ICB can operate up to two sensors within a PC104 1/4U form factor and provides onboard data processing along with standard interfaces for telemetry, telecommand, and data transfer.
The NuSCIS architecture is designed for maximum integration flexibility. Its sensor/ICB interface supports a wide range of optical configurations, while auxiliary daughterboards and headboards allow additional electro-optical capabilities such as enhanced thermal management. This approach enables mission designers to adapt the system to specialised applications—whether requiring unique optics, multi-sensor configurations, or custom mechanical layouts.
NuSCIS is available either as a ready-to-deploy imaging unit or as a fully tailored solution, making it suitable for missions spanning Earth observation, remote sensing, space situational awareness, proximity operations, and in-orbit servicing.
NuSCIS CIS120
NuSCIS CMV4000
NuSCIS CCD 97
Lower-cost predecessor system of NuSCIS with proven flight heritage.
NuSCIS is designed for CubeSat and SmallSat Low-Earth-Orbit missions using modular imaging stacks and other compact form factors. Typical mission uses include Earth observation, remote sensing, space-situational awareness (SSA), rendezvous & docking and in-orbit servicing.
NuSCIS supports a wide range of sensor families (CMOS, CCD and EM-CCD). Off-the-shelf sensor families listed in product materials include Fairchild, Teledyne e2v, Osram AMS among others (please enquire). Optomechanical interfaces are modular so customers can integrate different lenses and optical assemblies per mission requirements.
The NuSCIS Imager Controller Board is offered in a compact PC/104 1/4U form factor (~9.5 × 9.1 × 2.7 cm). Mass varies by configuration (examples start from ~70 g). Typical power consumption is low-profile, and it runs from a 5 V power interface. (Exact numbers depend on your sensor and configuration; enquire for the configuration sheet and ICD.)
Yes – the ICB includes on-board data processing capabilities to enable compression, basic feature detection or region-selection processing prior to downlink. This is commonly used to reduce telemetry load and to provide real-time outputs for tasks such as optical beam-steering or autonomous
NuSCIS is intended to be modular and highly customisable, sensor selection, optical assemblies, and mechanical integration can be tailored to mission needs. XCAM Scientific personally supplies datasheets, option sheets, CAD models and ICD and these can also be accessed via supplier portals. XCAM Scientific also collaborates with partners on integration and flight qualification programs. Contact XCAM Scientific for a configuration quote, CAD models and the integration support package.
Contact our sales team for further details, a quotation, or to discuss development opportunities.
2 Stone Circle Road
Round Spinney Industrial Estate
Northampton, NN3 8RF, UK
XCAM Scientific
2 Stone Circle Road
Round Spinney Industrial Estate
Northampton, NN3 8RF, UK
