Xenics Joins Forces with DLR to Enhance Imaging for NASA’s VERITAS and ESA’s EnVision Missions to Venus

Xenics, a global leader in advanced imaging technology and a subsidiary of Exosens, has announced its collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) to support two major Venus exploration missions—NASA’s VERITAS and ESA’s EnVision. This partnership aims to push the boundaries of planetary research by equipping spacecraft with state-of-the-art imaging technology.

Both missions are designed to study Venus in unprecedented detail. VERITAS (Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography, and Spectroscopy) and EnVision will create high-resolution maps of the planet’s surface, analyzing its geological evolution and atmospheric conditions. A key component of this ambitious endeavor is Xenics’ cutting-edge Bobcat Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) sensor, which will provide crucial imaging capabilities under extreme space conditions.

The Bobcat sensor is engineered to operate in harsh environments, offering high-resolution infrared imaging with a 640×512 pixel resolution and radiation-hardened technology. This advanced system will enhance VERITAS’s ability to capture detailed surface features of Venus, even in the planet’s thick and hostile atmosphere.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the collaboration, Paul Ryckaert, General Manager of Exosens Advanced Imaging business unit, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with DLR on such a groundbreaking mission. Our Bobcat sensor’s proven performance and resilience make it an ideal choice for the VERITAS mission, and we look forward to contributing to new discoveries about our neighboring planet.”

DLR will integrate the Bobcat sensor into the Venus Emissivity Mapper, a critical instrument onboard the spacecraft. Gisbert Peter, Project Manager and Head of Department at DLR, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration marks a major milestone in utilizing international expertise for space exploration.”

With these advanced imaging capabilities, NASA and ESA aim to unlock the secrets of Venus, shedding light on its volcanic activity, surface composition, and atmospheric processes. The Xenics-DLR partnership ensures that cutting-edge technology will play a crucial role in uncovering the mysteries of Earth's sister planet.