A Satellite-Based Imaging Instrumentation Concept for Hyperspectral Thermal Remote Sensing.

Area of Science:

• Earth Observation Science
• Satellite Remote Sensing
• Thermal Infrared Spectroscopy

Background:

• Global challenges like food security and human health require detailed monitoring of Earth's surface variables.
• Existing thermal infrared (TIR) satellite capabilities may lack the necessary spatial, spectral, and temporal resolutions for comprehensive monitoring.
• High-resolution temperature and spectral emissivity mapping is essential for understanding complex biosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere, and geosphere interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the High-resolution Temperature and Spectral Emissivity Mapping (HiTeSEM) satellite mission concept.
• To outline the scientific goals of measuring key variables related to food security and human health.
• To propose a sensor design and observation strategy to meet demanding spatial, spectral, and temporal resolution requirements.

Main Methods:

• Conceptualizing a hyperspectral TIR imaging system with ~75 bands (7.2-12.5 µm) and 60m Ground Sampling Distance (GSD).
• Integrating a panchromatic high-resolution TIR imager with two channels and 20m GSD within a single optical system.
• Implementing a sensor pointing concept for high revisit times (1-5 days off-nadir) in selected regions, alongside global nadir coverage (>1 month repeat cycle).
• Ensuring orbital correlation with Sentinel-2 for multi-spectral data fusion (VNIR, SWIR, TIR).

Main Results:

• The proposed HiTeSEM mission concept enables measurement of critical variables including land/sea surface temperature, emissivity, moisture, thermal inertia, and evapotranspiration.
• The mission design addresses the need for high spatial resolution (20-60m) and spectral detail (~75 bands) in the TIR spectrum.
• The sensor pointing strategy allows for rapid monitoring of dynamic features and high revisit rates for targeted areas.

Conclusions:

• The HiTeSEM mission concept provides a viable solution for acquiring high-resolution hyperspectral TIR data essential for addressing global food security and human health challenges.
• Combining hyperspectral and high-resolution panchromatic TIR imaging, coupled with a flexible observation strategy, is key to advancing Earth surface monitoring.
• Synergy with existing missions like Sentinel-2 will enhance parameter retrieval accuracy through multi-spectral data integration.