April 6, 2015 — Optech is pleased to announce that Mark Whorton, Ph.D., Chief Technologist of Teledyne Brown Engineering (TBE), is the second keynote speaker for Optech Imaging and Lidar Solutions Conference 2015, where he will explain how new technology on the International Space Station (ISS) is making space-based imaging available for commercial surveyors and humanitarian organizations alike.

On June 11, Dr. Mark Whorton will discuss how TBE has worked with NASA to put a facility for swappable earth-imaging systems on the ISS as part of the first generation of commercial space-based earth imagers. The Multi-User System for Earth Sensing (MUSES) instrument pointing system will host up to 4 separate plug-and-play imaging sensors in its inertial stabilized frame, enabling survey companies, humanitarian organizations, and non-spacefaring nations to send their own instruments into space. From the low-earth orbit of the ISS, sensors will be able to regularly cover the majority of the world’s surface, delivering data for projects as diverse as precision agriculture, disaster relief, and urban/regional development and planning. Dr. Whorton will provide historical background on earth imaging from space and some of the resulting systems and applications, then delve into the potential commercial, scientific and humanitarian objectives that can be met using instruments aboard the MUSES facility.

For this presentation Dr. Whorton will draw on his in-depth experience with both aerospace engineering and space-based sensing. As Principal Investigator for MUSES, he has led TBE’s efforts to take advantage of the ISS for commercial earth imaging instruments, and has also developed concepts for innovative systems and technologies for earth imaging, asteroid observations and capture, and medical automation. Prior to joining TBE, Dr. Whorton had a 20-year career at NASA, culminating as the Chief of the Guidance, Navigation, and Mission Analysis Branch at the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center. At NASA, he led development efforts for several advanced technologies, including a microgravity vibration isolation system for the ISS and a solar-sail propulsion small satellite mission.

ILSC 2015 runs June 9-12 in Toronto, Canada with networking opportunities, educational workshops and technical presentations. Optech would like to thank the major industry players who have sponsored ILSC 2015, including ITRES, Blue Marble and SOMAG, plus our Gold Sponsors, the world-famous lidar/imagery software developer Terrasolid and industry-leading creator of mobile positioning systems Applanix. To become a sponsor, submit a presentation abstract or register to attend, visit www.optech.com/ilsc2015/. The conference group rate is available until May 11, 2015, so make your reservations now at www.sheratontoronto.com.

About Optech

Optech is the world leader in high-accuracy lidar 3D survey systems, integrated cameras, and productivity-enhancing workflows. With operations and staff worldwide, Optech offers both standalone and fully integrated lidar and camera solutions for airborne mapping, airborne lidar bathymetry, mobile mapping, terrestrial laser scanning, mine cavity monitoring, and industrial process control, as well as space-proven sensors. Optech systems are also fully warrantied, with extended warranty packages offered by Optech Technical Solutions. Accuracy and productivity matter!

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