TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY: NanoSatellite Atmospheric Chemistry Hyperspectral Observation System (NACHOS)

NACHOS is a compact CubeSat instrument that detects and maps trace gases in Earth’s atmosphere with unprecedented detail, enabling low-cost, high-resolution environmental monitoring from space.

The Challenge
Detecting tiny amounts of gases in Earth’s atmosphere—like pollutants, volcanic emissions, or wildfire smoke—is vital for conducting atmospheric research and response to regional disasters. However, the instruments capable of such high-sensitivity, high-resolution measurements have traditionally been large, expensive, and mounted on big satellites with powerful communications systems. This creates two main barriers: the cost and complexity of launching such instruments, and the difficulty of transmitting the enormous amounts of raw hyperspectral data they produce. Miniaturizing this capability without sacrificing performance has been an extremely difficult engineering challenge, especially while ensuring ruggedness for spaceflight and maintaining precise optical performance in the harsh conditions of orbit.

Problems Solved:

• Miniaturization without performance loss – Packs the capability of a large, high-sensitivity hyperspectral imager into a compact CubeSat form factor.
• Rugged, thermally stable design – Maintains precise optical alignment from launch through on-orbit operations.
• Onboard calibration – Uses a no-moving-parts LED system to keep measurements accurate in a compact, reliable package.
• Onboard data processing – Reduces hundreds of megabytes of raw hyperspectral data into small, easy-to-transmit gas maps.
• Scalability for satellite constellations – Enables low-cost, frequent, and high-detail atmospheric monitoring on a global scale.

Key Advantages:

• Rapid deployment capability – Small size and low weight make it compatible with frequent, low-cost CubeSat launch opportunities.
• High spectral and spatial resolution – Detects faint gas “fingerprints” with up to 100× finer detail than existing gas-detecting satellites.
• Enhanced revisit rates – Multiple units can be launched to increase observation frequency over key locations.
• Lower mission costs – Reduced hardware, launch, and operational expenses compared to large-satellite missions.
• Broader accessibility – Brings high-end atmospheric sensing capabilities within reach for smaller agencies, research institutions, and international collaborations.
• Multi-platform adaptability – Design is suitable for ground-based, airborne, and drone deployments in addition to space missions.
• Cross-domain potential – Applicable beyond atmospheric science to fields like archaeology, art conservation, forensic analysis, and medical imaging.

Market Applications:

• Environmental Monitoring & Compliance
• Disaster Detection & Response
• Defense & National Security
• Commercial Remote Sensing & Geospatial Services

Development Status: TRL 7

US Patent pending

LA-UR-25-28838

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