Teledyne Space Imaging Powers NASA’s BlackCAT CubeSat Mission with Advanced X-Ray Imaging Technology
On January 11, 2026, NASA’s BlackCAT CubeSat Mission successfully launched as part of SpaceX’s “Twilight” rideshare mission, marking another milestone in space-based observation of the universe’s most energetic phenomena. At the heart of this mission is a key piece of technology from Teledyne Space Imaging: the Speedster HyViSI Focal Plane Arrays, which provide unprecedented sensitivity for detecting X-ray transient events.
BlackCAT: A CubeSat X-Ray Observatory
Led by Pennsylvania State University, the BlackCAT CubeSat is designed to study X-ray bursts originating from the collapse of early stars into black holes and explore the early universe. Despite its compact CubeSat form factor, the mission relies on high-performance imaging technology to capture detailed data on these fleeting cosmic events. Teledyne’s Speedster HyViSI Focal Plane Arrays make this possible.
Speedster HyViSI: High-Performance Imaging in a Compact Package
The core of BlackCAT’s X-ray instrument is a 2×2 mosaic of Speedster HyViSI focal plane arrays, engineered to operate efficiently in space while delivering remarkable sensitivity to soft X-ray photons. This hybrid detector combines the strengths of Si-PIN arrays with the flexibility of CMOS technology, enabling fast, event-driven readouts with low power consumption.
Dr. Yibin Bai, Director of FPA Development at Teledyne, explains, “X-ray detection is the natural extension of Teledyne’s HyViSI technology applications. The adaptable CMOS features and advanced absorber design position the Speedster HyViSI as a high-performance alternative to conventional sensors for space-based X-ray astronomy.”
This technology allows BlackCAT to observe some of the universe’s most energetic phenomena, providing insights into black hole formation and the evolution of the cosmos—something that would be difficult with traditional sensors.
Leading the Way in Space Imaging
Teledyne Space Imaging has long been a leader in developing space-qualified imaging sensors and focal plane arrays. With more than 250 space projects under its belt, the company collaborates with NASA, ESA, JAXA, and KARI to deliver CCD, CMOS, and infrared detector solutions, complete with optical filters, advanced packaging, and integrated electronics tailored for demanding space missions.
From Earth observation to deep space exploration, Teledyne continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in space imaging, ensuring that missions like BlackCAT have the tools they need to explore the universe safely and efficiently.
About Teledyne Technologies
Teledyne Space Imaging is part of Teledyne Technologies, a global leader in digital imaging products, aerospace and defense electronics, software, instrumentation, and engineered systems. With operations across the United States, Canada, the UK, and Europe, Teledyne continues to provide cutting-edge technology solutions that advance scientific discovery and innovation in space.
Source link:https://www.businesswire.com/
