Session
Technical Session XI: Science/Mission Payloads I
Abstract
Recent years have seen increased the development of concepts for constellations of SmallSats or Cubesats for Earth Observation remote sensing. These constellations focus on visible RGB imagery or multi-band imagery from a handful of wide-bands in the visible or near infrared wavelengths. Mid-wave infrared (MWIR) data provides a unique measurement, able to image both during the day and night. Recent developments in infrared detectors and the miniaturization of cryocooler technology enable this instrument to be packaged in a Cubesat form-factor.
Planetary Resources is developing a MWIR instrument (3-5 μ m) for the purpose of prospecting near-Earth asteroids, particularly in the detection of the presence of water. In turning the gaze of the sensors to nadir from low-Earth orbit, a unique dataset is created that is currently lacking from existing commercial Earth observation platforms. Data products derived from the MWIR measurement are beneficial in agricultural decision-making process, especially in irrigation and water use.
Planetary Resources is launching two 6U spacecraft, the “Arkyd-6”, which house a demonstration of our MWIR instrument. The 6U form-factor spacecraft accommodates an instrument sized just over 1.5U in volume. This demonstration is the first commercial use of MWIR imagery from low-Earth orbit. Ground resolutions of 15m per pixel are possible by increasing the size of the spacecraft to a 12U form-factor. At that resolution, actionable data is available at a scale that is relevant to agribusiness, as an indication to inform crop health and development.
This paper presents the MWIR instrument and its evolution. This includes spacecraft accommodation, measurements from low-Earth orbit and its potential for near-Earth asteroid exploration.
Asteroids to Agriculture: Carving a Niche in Earth Observation Using Asteroid Prospecting Instruments on an Earth-Orbiting CubeSat Constellation
Recent years have seen increased the development of concepts for constellations of SmallSats or Cubesats for Earth Observation remote sensing. These constellations focus on visible RGB imagery or multi-band imagery from a handful of wide-bands in the visible or near infrared wavelengths. Mid-wave infrared (MWIR) data provides a unique measurement, able to image both during the day and night. Recent developments in infrared detectors and the miniaturization of cryocooler technology enable this instrument to be packaged in a Cubesat form-factor.
Planetary Resources is developing a MWIR instrument (3-5 μ m) for the purpose of prospecting near-Earth asteroids, particularly in the detection of the presence of water. In turning the gaze of the sensors to nadir from low-Earth orbit, a unique dataset is created that is currently lacking from existing commercial Earth observation platforms. Data products derived from the MWIR measurement are beneficial in agricultural decision-making process, especially in irrigation and water use.
Planetary Resources is launching two 6U spacecraft, the “Arkyd-6”, which house a demonstration of our MWIR instrument. The 6U form-factor spacecraft accommodates an instrument sized just over 1.5U in volume. This demonstration is the first commercial use of MWIR imagery from low-Earth orbit. Ground resolutions of 15m per pixel are possible by increasing the size of the spacecraft to a 12U form-factor. At that resolution, actionable data is available at a scale that is relevant to agribusiness, as an indication to inform crop health and development.
This paper presents the MWIR instrument and its evolution. This includes spacecraft accommodation, measurements from low-Earth orbit and its potential for near-Earth asteroid exploration.
