EO Instrument Developments in the UK Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation

Paper number

IAC-08.B1.3.1

Author

Prof. Mick Johnson, Centre for EO Instrumentation, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Christopher Mutlow, STFC - Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Prof. Paul Monks, University of Leicester, United Kingdom

Coauthor

Dr. Rob Scott, QinetiQ Ltd, United Kingdom

Year

2008

Abstract

The UK Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI, www.ceoi.ac.uk) is carrying out a series of earth observation instrument development projects using innovative technologies.  It was created in 2007 as a result of joint support from the Natural Environment Research Council and the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills and is operated by a partnership of academia and industry, which is led by Astrium with QinetiQ, University of Leicester and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Its key aim is to build and strengthen UK capabilities in future space instrumentation for earth observation through the teaming of scientists and industrialists.  With a vision and long-term strategy to support and strengthen UK expertise and capabilities, the CEOI aims to position the UK to win leading roles in future international EO programmes.  

In this paper the authors describe novel technologies and instrumentation under development by the Centre partners in preparation for future earth observation missions.  The technologies under development include compact optical systems for air quality monitoring; the use of hollow waveguides in near infra-red lidar systems for remote sensing of the Earth's canopy and carbon dioxide; and passive microwave radiometry for remote sensing of atmosphere composition.  In addition some 'seedcorn' activities are underway to investigate novel techniques for remote sensing of the atmosphere and other variables important in the understanding of climate change and Earth system science.

The paper also describes the methods that the Centre has used to understand the main UK science priorities and to match these to UK technical and instrumentation capability. This is through a series of ‘Challenge Workshops’, which bring together leading earth observation scientists and instrumentalists from both industry, academic and government institutions.

Abstract document

IAC-08.B1.3.1.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-08.B1.3.1.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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