Teledyne Space Imaging Unveils Upscreened Sensors for Space Applications
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), a global leader in advanced imaging solutions, has announced the upcoming availability of Engineering Models (EMs) and evaluation kits for its newly launched industrial CMOS image sensors, specifically upscreened for space applications. These products are set to be available by the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone for the New Space market.
Developed and rigorously tested at Teledyne’s state-of-the-art facilities in Grenoble, France, these sensors are designed to meet the growing demands of modern space missions. The two variants—Ruby 1.3M USV and Emerald Gen2 12M USV—offer resolutions of 1.3MP and 12MP, respectively. Their versatility makes them ideal for a wide range of applications, including Earth observation, star trackers, monitoring cameras, space suits, rovers, and even moon landers.
Each sensor undergoes stringent delta space qualification and radiation testing to ensure reliability in the harsh conditions of space. Key tests include assessments for Single Event Latch-up (SEL), Single Event Effect (SEE), and Single Event Functional Interrupt (SEFI). This ensures that the sensors can withstand the unique challenges posed by cosmic radiation and other environmental factors. Depending on mission requirements, the sensors are delivered as flight models with two levels of screening: U1 (ESCC9020-like) and U3 (NASA Class 3 tailored for image sensors).
To facilitate rapid integration and reduce time-to-market for customers, Teledyne e2v provides an extensive suite of tools and resources. These include:
- Engineering Models (EMs): Prototypes that allow engineers to test and validate sensor performance before committing to full-scale production.
- Evaluation Kits: Comprehensive kits designed to help developers quickly assess sensor capabilities and integrate them into their systems.
- Reference Designs: Pre-designed frameworks that streamline the development process, enabling faster deployment.
Teledyne’s dedicated support team complements these resources, offering expert assistance from the initial design concept through to system launch. This holistic approach ensures that customers can seamlessly incorporate these cutting-edge sensors into their projects.
“This is a groundbreaking step in making high-performance imaging technology accessible to a broader range of space missions,” said Frédéric Devrière, Product Manager at Teledyne e2v. “By leveraging industrial-grade CMOS technology and applying rigorous space qualification processes, we’re empowering European and global players to innovate more efficiently and cost-effectively in fields like Earth observation, planetary exploration, and commercial space ventures.”
Live Demonstration at Space Tech Expo Europe 2025
Teledyne will showcase the capabilities of its new sensors at Space Tech Expo Europe 2025, one of the premier events for the space industry. The expo will take place from November 18–20, 2025, at Messe Bremen, Germany. Visitors to Teledyne’s booth (B09) will have the opportunity to witness a live demonstration of the Emerald Gen2 12M USV sensor. This interactive exhibit will highlight the sensor’s exceptional performance and integration potential, providing attendees with a firsthand look at how it can enhance their space-based systems.
The demo will emphasize the sensor’s ability to deliver high-resolution imagery while maintaining robustness in challenging environments. Attendees will also gain insights into how Teledyne’s comprehensive toolset and support services can accelerate their development timelines and improve mission outcomes.
Meeting the Needs of the New Space Era
The New Space market is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in satellite technology, increased private sector involvement, and a growing focus on sustainability and efficiency. As missions become more diverse and complex, the demand for reliable, high-performance imaging solutions continues to rise. Teledyne’s upscreened sensors address this need by combining the affordability and scalability of industrial-grade CMOS technology with the durability required for space applications.
By offering two distinct resolution options—the compact yet powerful Ruby 1.3M USV and the higher-resolution Emerald Gen2 12M USV—Teledyne caters to a variety of mission profiles. Whether it’s capturing detailed images of Earth’s surface or navigating spacecraft using star trackers, these sensors provide the precision and reliability necessary for success.
Furthermore, the availability of EMs and evaluation kits by late 2025 underscores Teledyne’s commitment to supporting innovators in the space industry. These resources enable developers to experiment, iterate, and refine their designs without delays, ultimately reducing costs and accelerating project timelines.
A Vision for the Future
Teledyne’s latest announcement reflects its ongoing dedication to advancing imaging technologies for space exploration and beyond. By bridging the gap between industrial-grade components and space-qualified solutions, the company is democratizing access to high-performance imaging. This not only benefits established aerospace organizations but also opens doors for startups and smaller enterprises looking to make their mark in the New Space economy.
As humanity continues to push the boundaries of space exploration—from studying distant planets to monitoring climate change here on Earth—Teledyne’s upscreened sensors are poised to play a pivotal role. With their robust design, versatile applications, and comprehensive support ecosystem, these sensors represent a leap forward in enabling innovative and affordable space missions.
For those eager to learn more about Teledyne’s groundbreaking imaging solutions, Space Tech Expo Europe 2025 offers the perfect opportunity. Visitors can engage with experts, explore live demonstrations, and discover how Teledyne is shaping the future of space imaging—one pixel at a time.
Teledyne Space Imaging
Teledyne Space Imaging offers innovative space imaging products, including those from sister companies. This new line of industrial image sensors upscreened for space is from Teledyne e2v in Grenoble. This facility is known for its high-performance, high-reliability semiconductors for the most demanding space applications. Teledyne Space Imaging – Everywhereyoulook!
Teledyne Space Imaging is part of Teledyne Technologies, a leading provider of sophisticated digital imaging products and software, instrumentation, aerospace and defense electronics, and engineered systems. Teledyne’s operations are primarily located in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Western and Northern Europe.
