Leicester-based space entrepreneur Sam Richards is developing an entry-level camera kit designed to make it cheaper and easier for teams launching their first satellite mission to get a capable imaging system into orbit.
Built around a Raspberry Pi platform with a 12MP sensor, FIRSTCAM is designed to be space-ready with the right modifications, software and know-how. Sam is packaging all of that knowledge alongside the hardware, so that first-mission teams don’t have to start from scratch.
The product is being developed through his startup, Meridian Space Command, and targets a real gap in the market. He said:
“Your first mission deserves a first camera. I’m building this kit so teams can fly cheap systems — and understand exactly how and why they work.”
Sam is currently in the testing phase and is inviting first-mission teams to get in touch to learn more.