X-Sat is a microsatellite technology demonstration mission of CREST (Centre for Research in Satellite Technologies). CREST, a joint venture of NTU (Nanyang Technological University) and DSO National Laboratories Singapore, was established for this project.
The objective of the X-SAT mission is to demonstrate technology in support of high-resolution imaging capabilities and to analyze and implement onboard parallel processing algorithms, thereby demonstrating improved mission achievements for generally downlink-limited small satellite imaging missions.
The purpose of X-Sat is:
- Earth observation and imaging for environmental applications such as monitoring of forest fires and ocean red tides, with a 10 m resolution multispectral (three spectral bands in the visible and near infrared spectrum) instrument as a primary payload.
- satellite-based data acquisition/distribution and messaging using mobile terminals.
Also two secondary payloads are on board:
- Parallel Processing Unit: for experimentation of COTS electronics and FPGAs to perform reliable imaging algorithmic functions (image selection, classification, compression) in space.
- DLR GPS: A GPS receiver provided by DLR for on-board experimentation using XSAT micro-satellite mission.
A launch agreement between Antrix Corporation (ISRO) and NTU for a launch as a piggy back payload on a was signed on Jan. 24, 2003.
