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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
11:34
Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Mineral identification from orbit: initial results from the shuttle multispectral infrared radiometer
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 3, 1982
Summary
Remote sensing can now identify carbonates and hydroxyl-bearing minerals from Earth orbit. A ten-channel radiometer successfully demonstrated this capability using reflective infrared measurements.
Area of Science:
- Geoscience
- Remote Sensing
- Mineralogy
Background:
- Mineral identification is crucial for geological surveys and resource exploration.
- Remote sensing offers a non-invasive method for analyzing Earth's surface composition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of identifying carbonates and hydroxyl-bearing minerals using remote measurements.
- To demonstrate the capability of a shuttle-borne radiometer for mineral detection from orbit.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a shuttle-borne radiometer with ten channels in the reflective infrared spectrum.
- Collected spectral data from Earth's surface during orbital missions.
Main Results:
- Direct identification of carbonates was achieved through spectral analysis.
- Detection of hydroxyl-bearing minerals was also demonstrated.
- The ten-channel radiometer proved effective for mineral discrimination.
Conclusions:
- Remote measurement from Earth orbit can directly identify key mineral groups.
- This technology has significant implications for geological mapping and planetary science.
- Orbital spectral analysis is a viable tool for mineralogical studies.
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