Small Satellite’s Role in Future Hyperspectral Earth Observation Missions

Paper number

IAC-06-B5.4.07

Author

Prof. Moshe Guelman, Technion, I.I.T., Israel

Year

2006

Abstract

Along with various advanced satellite onboard sensors, an important place in the near future will belong to hyperspectral instruments, considered worldwide as suitable for different scientific, commercial and military missions. As was demonstrated over the last decade, hyperspectral Earth observations can be provided by small satellites at considerably lower costs and shorter timescales, even though with some limitations on resolution, spectral response, and data rate. 

The design of remote sensors on small satellites operating under strong constraints as regards the available satellite resources should be optimized with respect to satellite’s size and mass, power consumption, data rate, as well as the mission cost. In this work the requirements on small satellites with imaging hyperspectral sensors are studied. Physical and technological limitations of hyperspectral imagers are considered. A mathematical model of a small satellite with a hyperspectral imaging spectrometer system is developed. The data-transmitting rate of the “hyperspectral cube” and the required electric power are examined as the principal satellite size-limiting factors. Diffraction and radiometric aspects of the spectral image quality are taken into account. The ability of the small satellites to obtain hyperspectral images of specified resolution and quality is examined, as well as its impact on the satellites mass and size. Interconnectivity between small satellites main parameters and the basic characteristics of the hyperspectral instruments is ascertained. 

An overview of small hyperspectral imagers in the visible and short wave infrared wavelengths region is given based on the approximated model. Comparison of data from designed and planned instruments with the model results corroborates the presented model validity to assess small satellites limitations. The feasibility analysis also reveals the constraints on the main technical characteristics of hyperspectral instruments. An approximate division of hyperspectral imagers on LEO observation satellites in different subclasses (large, mini- and micro-) depending on instruments performance (ground resolution and number of spectral bands) is presented. It is shown that (a) microsatellites fit well to place a hyperspectral imager, only in the visible region with large limitations on resolution; (b) a majority of hyperspectral tasks can be realized with minisatellites of masses between 100 to 500kg based on conventional state-of-the-art technology; (c) when spatial, spectral, and radiation resolution together became higher, the mass of the satellite could exceed the minisatellite’s upper limit, and hyperspectral observation would be feasible only from large satellites. 

Abstract document

IAC-06-B5.4.07.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-06-B5.4.07.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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