Land Observation from Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (Logeo): Mission Concept and Engineering Analysis
- Paper number
IAC-06-B1.2.02
- Author
Mr. Miguel Roman-Colon, NASA Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Alan H. Strahler, NASA Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
We propose an Earth-observation mission -- Land Observation from Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (LOGEO) -- to place a spin-scan-stabilized 500-m resolution 9-band VNIR-SWIR imager in a near-geosynchronous, inclined orbit, allowing 15-minute observations with a full range of daily sun angles and a 30-degree variation in view angle. We also present the preliminary results of a systems engineering feasibility study that demonstrates LOGEO’s dual capability in the role as a moderate-resolution land imager and an operational climate-modeling instrument. Departing slightly from normal geosynchronous height, the LOGEO platform drifts westward at about 4 degrees per day, providing geostationary-style coverage for all points on the globe four times per year. With an orbital inclination angle of 15 degrees, LOGEO’s subsatellite point moves in a figure-eight-shaped daily circuit ranging from 40 degrees north to 40 degrees south latitude. This unique orbit path ensures that each point on the Earth is viewed from a wide range of both sun and view angles during a day. LOGEO’s unique imaging geometry allows more accurate retrieval of daily changes in surface bidirectional reflectance in its 9 spectral bands, which in turn enhances direct retrieval of vegetation parameters such as vegetation cover, vegetation index, leaf area index, and albedo and indirect retrieval of such vegetation parameters as biomass. For studies of climate and environmental dynamics, LOGEO provides accurate observations of atmospheric aerosols and clouds at different scattering angles and at all wavelengths in the VNIR spectrum. This capability serves as a unique validation tool for regional and global analyses of cloud albedo, water vapor, cloud-top pressure and temperature, and cloud-top microphysics. LOGEO’s collection of land, atmospheric, and climate data products are directly applicable to 7 of the 9 (and indirectly to all 9) GEOSS societal benefits areas; thus, providing great opportunities for international collaboration. LOGEO’s overall systems architecture is presented in this paper, as are top-level design-trade studies, orbital scenarios, and a technical survey of different subsystem technologies’ readiness to manage the data acquisition, processing, storage, and management resources in an operational context. Imaging at 500-m spatial resolution, LOGEO will improve significantly on geostationary orbiters such as GOES and MSG, and will provide new spectral coverage and enhanced temporal capability that will ultimately increase our skill in global environmental change, weather, and climate prediction.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-B1.2.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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