Toward high resolution high altitudes observation systems for environment & security

Paper number

IAC-12,B1,2,12.p1,x14382

Author

Mr. Xavier Roser, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Coauthor

Mr. Michel Sghedoni, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Coauthor

Mr. Jean-YVes Labandibar, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Coauthor

Mr. Pierre Bassaler, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Coauthor

Mr. Jean-Guy Planes, Thales Alenia Space France, France

Year

2012

Abstract

High orbits, MEO to geosynchronous, are very attractive to ensure a high revisit and even continuous observation. Up to recently, geostationary orbits were mostly used for meteo applications requiring low resolution (500m). Today technologies, enable to consider high resolution systems in geostationary observation enabling to ensure spatial resolution in the order of 10 to 20m, and a very short response time (order of minutes between tasking order and image data availability).

The paper will in a first review the technology readiness level according to the spatial and spectral resolution and the potential heritage and in a second step identify the potential applications and mission concepts for high resolution high altitude systems.

The main enabling technologies addressed are:
\begin{itemize}\item - The stabilization, micro-vibration isolation, and attitude restitution technical solutions necessary for such systems are developed in the frame of Meteosat third generation system, under the full responsibility of the prime contractor, Thales Alenia Space.
- High stable, large Optical instruments, necessary to achieve the spatial resolution, can rely on the same technologies used for the LEO high resolution instruments design for high resolution (<1m). Thales Alenia Space is now the unique European space optical instrument prime with proven flight experience of sub-metric resolution, as recently demonstrated on PLEÏADES (0.7m).
- Technologies under preparation by Thales R&D group encompassing: Image processing to enhance resolution / quality, image active stabilization.\end{itemize}

The potential applications of such systems will be introduced in the paper. They are ranging from environment to security with missions such as: High Resolution Ocean Colour for costal zone monitoring, Fire detection and tracking, Pollution and outgassing, Non-Collaborative Maritime surveillance, disaster Monitoring.

The paper will conclude with some system concepts, meeting identified mission needs and relying on mature buildingsblocks to ensure their afforfability.

Abstract document

IAC-12,B1,2,12.p1,x14382.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-12,B1,2,12.p1,x14382.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.