FOCUS on ISS-Sensor and Data Fusion for Earth Observation from Space

Abstract

Earth observation systems from space platforms in general employ remote sensing instruments of a specific type (imaging, spectrometric, etc.) in a specific spectral band (visible, infrared, microwave, etc.) to observe a specific earth feature (atmospheric trace gas distribution, vegetation coverage, ocean surface temperatures, etc). These systems deliver data to ground stations for storage and utilisation. Various steps of processing will be applied to the data on ground to extract the desired information. In such way many parameters are monitored independently from each other with respect to time and space, however. There are applications where simultaneous operation of different sensor types/spectral regions and combined data evaluation could significantly enhance amount and quality of information derived and even add new onboard (in space) functionality to space remote sensing systems. FOCUS, an ESA earth observation sensor system candidate for the early utilisation phase of the International Space Station (ISS), is intended to demonstrate such a new approach. The system is dedicated to High Temperature Event (HTE) investigation (forest fires, volcano activity, etc.). It will incorporate autonomous HTE detection and geo-location in near real time as unique onboard capability and provide quantitative HTE and background classification and HTE plume emission products analysis (temperatures, gas and aerosol distribution). As such it will aid in understanding HTE dynamics and be capable to support activities towards future natural disaster monitoring and early warning systems. It represents a possible next step in advancing earth observation systems.