Next-Generation High-Resolution Commercial Imaging Satellite
- Paper number
IAC-05-B1.2.02
- Author
Dr. Robert Clemons, Space Imaging, Japan
- Year
2005
- Abstract
In September 1999 Space Imaging launched IKONOS, the world’s first high-resolution commercial imaging satellite. IKONOS had a planned mission duration of five years, but has shown no signs of data deterioration or component failure. The best engineering estimate is that IKONOS will last at least until the first quarter of 2008 – and possibly years longer. It is, however, prudent for Space Imaging to prepare for the launch of follow-on, second-generation satellites. The design for IKONOS Block II has been completed, development is under way, and the first of two launches is scheduled for late 2007. This paper is the first public presentation on the design and capabilities of Block II. Space Imaging carefully analyzed the commercial market, as experienced over the past six years, and surveyed major customers all over the world. The most important desired enhancements were: higher resolution, faster collection of point targets, more imagery collected per pass, and out-of-contact collection with direct data down-link to international ground stations. All of these have been accommodated. Block II retains the unique features of the original IKONOS satellite, including direct tasking from international ground stations with immediate receipt of imagery as it is collected. New features include: · 27 cm resolution at nadir. The original IKONOS has 82 cm. resolution, for generation of 1-meter standard products. This has been increased three-fold (linearly). · Improved image color quality. The spectral bands have been adjusted to provide better raw-data color fidelity and wider NIR coverage. · 15 times better agility. This will allow twice the number of point targets to be collected per unit time. · Higher focal-plane line rate, to 10,000 lines per second, and over twice as many detectors. These support higher sweep speed, for faster data collection (34 sq. km./sec.) and single-pass collection of larger contiguous areas (up to 3,300 sq. km.). · Out-of-contact tasking for international affiliates. An international ground station, for example in Japan, can directly task for imaging in another continent, and receive the imagery on a subsequent pass. This paper presents the design of IKONOS Block II, with emphasis on improvements from Block I, and will discuss the operation and capabilities of the new satellites. It includes single-satellite and two-satellite operations, with either Block I or a second Block II. Data products from the Block I and Block II satellites are compared and illustrated.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-05-B1.2.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.