“SIMPLE”—a novel concept of an imaging camera for space applications

A novel concept of a large camera for space applications is proposed. It comprises extremely light and inexpensive construction, and very high photon detection efficiency. The essential point of the concept is the evasion of any vacuum-sealing constructional elements, and the exploitation of vacuum in space. This concept was developed particularly for the next-generation experiments aimed to detect extensive air showers in the atmosphere, initiated by extreme energy cosmic rays (like the EUSO experiment). The SIMPLE camera, as well as its launch, should be much less expensive than the previously considered options.