COMMITTEE ON EARTH
OBSERVATION SATELLITES

T o w a r d s
In t e g r a t e doo

1 9 9 7

S
O
CE

Ye

G lo b a l

S t r a t e g yk

O b s e r v in g

a n

b
r
a

Contents
Foreword
1

Introduction

1.1

The need for global observations … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 1

1.2

O pportunities from space … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 2

1.3

Scope and contents of this report … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … 3

2

CEOS

2.1

O verview …………………………………………………………………………………………………5

2.2

CEO S structure …………………………………………………………………………………………5

2.3

CEO S activities …………………………………………………………………………………………6

2.4

Emerging initiatives………………………………………………………………………………………83

The Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS)

3.1

O verview ………………………………………………………………………………………………11

3.2

Aims ……………………………………………………………………………………………………11

3.3

Partnerships ……………………………………………………………………………………………11

3.4

Next steps ………………………………………………………………………………………………12

3.5

Summary of initial IGO S Implementation Projects ……………………………………………………14

4

Capabilities of Earth observation ……………………………………………………17

5

Future provision of data

5.1

Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………………………33

5.2

O verview ………………………………………………………………………………………………34

5.3

Measurement timelines …………………………………………………………………………………35

A

Catalogue of satellite missions …………………………………………65

B

Catalogue of satellite instruments ………………………………………85

C

CEOS membership ………………………………………………………127

D

CEOS Affiliates: environmental programmes & agencies …………129

E

Abbreviations ……………………………………………………………139

F

CEOS information on the net …………………………………………142

G

CEOS agencies on the net ………………………………………………144

IMAPRESS/PATRICK GELY

Foreword
Data from Earth O bservation satellites are an
important source of information for many researchand operational applications at local to global scales.
They help us improve our understanding of planet
Earth, support its conservation through the preparationof governmental decisions on issues such as global
climate change and sustainable development, andimprove the quality of our lives. The major aim of theCommittee on Earth O bservation Satellites (CEO S) isto achieve international co-ordination in the planningof Earth O bservation satellite missions and to
maximize the world-wide utilisation of data from thesemissions.
Providing the necessary global observations requires
programmes on a scale which no single nation or
agency can achieve. Further, contributions frommany different observing systems are required toaddress the diversity of users’ requirements, spanning
both space-borne and in-situ Earth observing systems.
Recognizing this, CEO S and the International Groupof Funding Agencies for global change research(IGFA), and other organisations, are pursuing thedevelopment of an Integrated Global O bserving
Strategy (IGO S). An IGO S will provide an
over-arching strategy for observations to allow
organisations involved in the collection of data toextend their contribution, and to assist user groups
requiring information from these systems to specify
their requirements in a synergistic way.
In light of the ongoing IGO S development it
gives me great pleasure to present the 1997 CEO S
Yearbook, prepared by the European Space Agency(ESA) on behalf of CEO S. The report presents thestatus and perspectives of the IGO S discussions, themain capabilities of Earth O bservation satellites andtheir major current and future applications, and asystematic overview of present and planned EarthO bservation satellite missions and their instruments.
This report will be a valuable source of information
for a variety of users, spanning the wide range ofrequirements from Earth System research to decisionmaking in political and socio-economic sectors.
I hope that it will support the work of regional,
national and international organisations responsible forplanning and co-ordinating future observation
programmes to meet the users’ requirements in an
efficient and effective way.

Antonio R odotà
Director General
European Space Agency

1 Introduction
1.1 THE NEED FOR GLOBALOBSERVATIONS
Increased awareness of the stresses being placed on the
Earth System, often induced by human activity, hasheightened the need for information on the current
state of the Earth System and for enhanced capability
to assess its evolution so that governments and policy
makers can make well informed decisions relating toissues such as: environmental pollution; natural
resource management; sustainable development;
and global climate change.
Governments are primarily concerned with national
development needs, but there is an increasing
realisation that many of the relevant issues transcendpolitical boundaries and are, in fact, global by nature.
This realisation has resulted in increased political andlegal obligations on governments and national andregional agencies to address Earth System topics ofglobal concern. These obligations are often
encapsulated within international treaties, whose
signatories have explicit requirements placed uponthem.
Many of these treaties call for systematic observationsof the Earth to increase our understanding of its
processes and our ability to monitor them:• The UN Framework Convention on Climate
Change (FCCC). As its name suggests, the FCCC
provides a framework for future agreement andaction to achieve “… stablisation of greenhousegases at a level that would prevent dangerous
anthropogenic interference with the climate
system.” The FCCC contains a commitment topromote and co-operate in systematic observationsof the climate system and in the development ofdata archives and international co-ordination of therelevant programmes.
• The UN Convention to Combat Desertification in
those Countries experiencing Serious Drought
and/ or Desertification, particularly in Africa.
The Desertification Convention aims to combat
desertification and to mitigate the effects of drought
through the establishment of long-term integrated
strategies, an important element of which arenational action programmes, such as thestrengthening of capabilities for assessment andsystematic observation, including meteorologicaland hydrological services.
• The Montreal Protocol of the Vienna Convention
on the Protection of the O zone Layer. The
Montreal Protocol sets out specific legal obligationsin the form of timetables for the progressive
reduction and/ or elimination of the production andconsumption of certain ozone-depleting substances.
Whilst the obligations are in terms of imports andexports of controlled substances, the Protocol does
imply that reliable measurements of the ozone layer
are required in order to assess the effectiveness ofthe control measures.
• Agenda 21 and the UN Commission on Sustainable
Development. Agenda 21 requires a range ofactions to support a comprehensive climate
observing system, including closer co-operation insystematic observation of the oceans, and greateruse of new techniques of data collection, including
satellite-based remote sensing.
• The Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change,
although not part of an international treaty, also
explicitly recognises the critical need for systematic
observations of the Earth’s climate system.
The commitments outlined in these treaties are
triggered mainly by concerns about human activities
on the Earth System. These commitments require
substantial economic, technical and scientific resources
for their execution, and action at many levels,
including significant programmes of global
observations.
This document discusses the need for observations ofplanet Earth and its environment – both global
observations, such as might be required to fulfil theneeds of the treaties outlined above, and regional,
national and local observations in support of specificenvironment, development and other issues. A large
number of geophysical measurements are required
whose spatial and temporal resolutions and accuracies
depend on the specific application underconsideration.

1

1997 CEO S Yearbook

No single programme or agency can satisfy allof the observational requirements which are necessary
for improved understanding of the Earth System.
Contributions from many different observing systems
will be required to address the diversity of theserequirements – spanning both in-situ systems (such as
ocean buoy and world-wide weather station networks)
and space-borne systems. O ptimal integration of theseassets requires careful planning and national andinternational organisations are considering how toderive greater benefit from both current and planned
observing systems to address common problems ofglobal concern. In this context, the Committee on
Earth O bservation Satellites (CEO S) and theInternational Group of Funding Agencies for globalchange research (IGFA), together with otherorganisations, have initiated discussions on thedevelopment of an Integrated Global O bserving
Strategy (IGO S) as an objective of all agencies involvedin the collection and analysis of both space-based andin-situ data. Section 3 provides an overview of thecurrent and planned activities related to IGO S.

1.2

OPPORTUNITIES FROM SPACEAs recognised in the international treaties discussed
above, Earth observation satellites provide an importantand unique source of information for studies of the
Earth System. There are currently over 45 missions
operating, and around 70 more missions, carrying over
230 instruments, planned for operation during thenext 15 years by the world’s civil space agencies. Thesesatellites are providing measurements of many
parameters of interest to those studying the Earth
System and the planned missions will provide asignificant increase in data and information over thesatellites currently in operation.
Earth observations from satellite are highly
complementary to those collected by in-situ systems.
In-situ measurements may be necessary for some highaccuracy local observations, for the calibration ofobservations made by satellite and for models of the
Earth System. Satellites are often necessary for theprovision of synoptic, wide-area information required
to put in-situ measurements in the global context
required for the observation of many environmental
and climatic phenomena.
In the context of use within international
environmental treaties, Earth observation by satellite
has further attractive features. It is non-intrusive,
allowing collection of data to take place withoutcompromising national sovereignty in the way thatground-based measurements or airborne remotesensing might. It is objective in that quantitative
measurements can be made by sensors whose
properties may be defined and calibrated. It is uniform
in that the same sensor may be used at many different
places in the world (some of which are inaccessible,
making in-situ measurements infeasible) and, as noted
above, it provides an inherent wide area capability,
offering a synoptic view of large-scale phenomena.
Present-day applications of satellite data are widespreadand cover research, operational and commercial
activities. These activities are of interest in the global
context and the regional, national, and local context
where Earth observation data are successfully appliedin support of a range of different sectors. A brief subset
of successful applications of satellite Earth observation
data is listed below:• climate change research relies on operational andresearch systems to generate high-quality,
consistent, global datasets for use in understanding
the global climate system, detection of potential
anthropogenic change, validation of climate models,and prediction of the impact of change;• stratospheric chemistry, particularly related to theozone hole, benefits from satellite information tomonitor and map ozone concentrations and to assistin understanding the fundamental, underlying
processes leading to ozone depletion;• weather forecasts based on Numerical Weather
Prediction (NWP) utilise, amongst other things,
operational satellite measurements of both surface
and upper air winds and atmospheric temperaturefields;• agriculture and forestry services utilise satellite data
to provide, amongst other products, mapping
information, crop health statistics, yield predictions,
harvest optimisation, and estimated rainfall amount;• resource mapping utilising very high resolution
satellite data, when combined with conventional
survey techniques, provides information needed tolocate both renewable and non-renewable
resources, such as mineral deposits, and a costeffective means of mapping large, sometimes
inaccessible regions;• hazard monitoring and disaster assessment schemes
are in place which incorporate satellite data toprovide wide area coverage of, amongst otherthings, volcano plumes and areas stricken bydrought or earthquake;• ice monitoring with satellite data is provided as an
operational service in many parts of the world
affected by sea ice and results in improved safety
and reduced operating costs through optimum
routing for ships through ice fields;• coastal zone management benefits from satellite
information on parameters such as water quality,
suspended sediment and sea surface temperature.
These can be used to monitor river outflow andtrack oceanic features. In addition, satellites
generally provide much superior sampling
compared with conventional surveys;• oceanographic applications include provision of
more accurate information on likely fishing grounds(based on sea surface temperature), ocean wave
forecasting for ship routing, measurement of the sea
floor topography for off-shore exploration, and oil
slick pollution monitoring.
International investment in satellite platforms andinstruments and the associated ground segments isalready substantial. More investment is planned overthe coming years and CEO S will continue to play a
key role in co-ordinating these investments, through its
principal objectives outlined in section 2 and throughpartnership within an IGO S (see section 3), in orderto ensure full realisation of the benefits of this truly
international activity.

1.3 SCOPE AND CONTENTS
OF THIS REPORTThe 1997 CEO S Yearbook presents the status and aperspective for the development of an Integrated
Global O bserving Strategy (IGO S). In addition, it
presents the current status and plans for future Earthobservation satellite missions of CEO S Members anddescribes how the data and information which they
supply relate to world-wide needs for information on
Earth System processes – in support of significant
objectives of national and international concern. The
report approaches the subject by clearly illustrating thecontributions from satellite on a measurement-bymeasurement basis.

observations to enable understanding of ourenvironment and its processes; and those needing
information for decision-making in many socioeconomic sectors.
It is further hoped that this report will be ofeducational value, helping to explain some of thetechniques and technologies underlying satellite Earthobservation and making the subject as accessible aspossible to the lay-person who would like toinvestigate further.
As an up-to-date and comprehensive compilation of
CEO S agency plans, the report provides a handy
reference source of information on current and future
civil Earth observation programmes. It also provides
details of points of contact within CEO S and lists
relevant internet information sources and services for
those requiring more information.
Section 2 gives an overview of the organisation,
activities, and achievements of CEO S. Section 3
discusses the Integrated Global O bserving Strategy(IGO S) - which is an initiative of CEO S and IGFA,
together with other international agencies. The
capabilities of satellites in providing observations of the
Earth are explained in section 4 – including
information on the different types of missions andinstruments which are current or are planned. Section
5 relates the measurements of these instruments to theneed for observations of the Earth.
The annexes include:
A Catalogue of satellite missions
B Catalogue of satellite instruments
C CEO S membership details
D CEO S Affiliates: environmental
programmes and agencies
E Abbreviations
F CEO S information on the net
G CEO S agencies on the net

It is hoped that this report will prove to be a valuable
source of information concerning the possible
application and value of the data and information from
Earth observation satellites. It should be of interest to awide range of groups: those with responsibility fornational/ international development policy; those
responsible for programmes with requirements for

3

2

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

2 CEOS
2.1

OVERVIEWThe Committee on Earth O bservation Satellites(CEO S) was created in 1984, in response to a
recommendation from a Panel of Experts on Remote
Sensing from Space, under the aegis of the Economic
Summit of Industrialised Nations Working Group on
Growth, Technology and Employment. This group
recognised the multidisciplinary nature of satellite
Earth observation and the value of co-ordinatinginternational mission plans. CEO S has since establisheda broad framework for co-ordination across all spaceborne Earth observation missions.
CEO S has three primary objectives:– to optimize the benefits of space-borne Earthobservations through co-operation of its Members
in mission planning and in the development ofcompatible data products, formats, services,
applications, and policies;– to aid both its Members and the international user
community by, inter alia, serving as the focal point
for international co-ordination of space-related
Earth observation activities, including those related
to global change;– to exchange policy and technical information to
encourage complementarity and compatibility
among space-borne Earth observation systems
currently in service or being developed, and thedata received from them; issues of common interest
across the spectrum of Earth observation satellite
missions will be addressed.

2.2

CEOS STRUCTURE

The work of CEO S spans the full range of activities
required for proper international co-ordination ofEarth observation programmes and maximum
utilisation of their data, and ranges from thedevelopment of detailed technical standards for data
product exchange, through to the establishment ofhigh level interagency agreements on common data
policies for different application areas – such as global
climate change and environmental monitoring.
At the highest level within CEO S, the Plenary session
meets once per year and brings together all Member,
Affiliate, and O bserver agencies (annex C) – providingthem with a valuable forum to exchange information
on relevant national/ regional plans and activities, todiscuss the impact of relevant developments worldwide, and to review progress on the various projects
and activities being undertaken within the CEO S
working groups and task forces.
The current working level organisation of CEO S isshown below.

In-situ systems

User programmes
and agencies
CEOS Affiliates
Affiliates’
Co-ordinator

Individual members of CEO S use their best efforts toimplement CEO S recommendations in their respective
Earth observation programmes.
Since its inception, CEO S Membership has grown toencompass all the world’s civil agencies responsible for
Earth observation satellite programmes, along withagencies that receive and process data acquired
remotely from space. At its 1990 Plenary meeting in
Brazil, CEO S enhanced its outreach to include
international user organisations - including scientific,
policy, and inter-governmental groups such as theWorld Meteorological O rganization and the Global
Climate O bserving System, which now have Affiliate
status in CEO S (CEO S Affiliate programmes aredescribed in Annex D). Governmental organisations
that are developing a space segment or have significant
ground segment activity can also to become O bserversof CEO S.

4Space
systems

Provider agencies
CEOS Agencies

CEOS

Plenary
AG

WGISS

WGCV

SIT

5

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

There are currently two standing working groups:

through the WGCV Infoserver.

1) the Working Group on Information Systems
and Services (WGISS) which has the goal of coordinating and standardising EO data management andservices, addressing the needs of: data providers byassisting them to improve the efficiency of theiroperations and maximising the utilisation and benefitof the EO data which they gather; and data andinformation users by providing simpler and wider
access to the resources which they require.

WGCV’s current focus is validation pilot projects andcollaborative efforts to identify protocols and methods
for the validation of high level EO satellite data
products (such as sea surface temperature, digitalterrain models, etc).

WGISS has subgroups tasked with:– enabling EO data and information services to be
more accessible, interoperable and usable to data
providers and users world-wide throughinternational collaboration (Access Subgroup);– enhancing the complementarity, interoperability
and standardisation of EO data and information
management and services (Data Subgroup);– fostering easier exchange of EO data andinformation through networks and other means, tomeet the requirements of users and data providers(Network Subgroup).
More detail on the activities of WGISS and its
subgroups can be obtained from:http:/ / earth1.esrin.esa.it/ wgiss
WGISS places great emphasis on the use ofdemonstration projects involving user groups to solve
the critical interoperability issues associated with theachievement of global services.
2) to ensure the quality, accuracy and long-term
confidence in EO data products the Working Groupon Calibration and Validation (WGCV) provides
a focus for co-ordination and co-operation in activities
related to calibration and validation (cal-val) of Earthobservations, and has the following subgroups:– Terrain Mapping Subgroup;– Microwave Sensors Subgroup;

To provide the Plenary and the SIT with the analysisof the extent to which the existing and planned spacesegment missions are meeting the identified
international and national user requirements, thePlenary also established an Analysis Group (AG)comprising both provider and user agencies. The
activities of the AG are designed to build upon pastwork in this area undertaken by CEO S Members andAffiliates and to complement Affiliates’ plans forcarrying out comparative analyses of requirements
versus provision so as to avoid duplication of effort.
Since their establishment, both the SIT and the AG
have focused their activities around specific projects
which are described in more detail in section 3.

2.3

CEOS ACTIVITIESThe CEOS D ossier and its development
CEO S is widely recognised as the main international
forum for the co-ordination of Earth observation
satellite programmes and for the interaction of thespace agencies with users world-wide. The CEO S
Dossier, a precursor to this Yearbook, has proved to bea key input to this co-ordination and user interaction
and was first produced in 1992.

In 1997, the WGCV undertook a new three year
work-plan, including the establishment of a new
WWW homepage (http:/ / www.eos.co.uk/ ceos-calval)

Since that time, the dossier has been updated regularly,
improved, expanded and made available in different
formats. The first interactive version was madeavailable at the 1994 CEO S Plenary in order to enable
users to identify rapidly data sources which mightmeet their data needs.

O ne of the activities of the WGCV is to provide thescience community with information on existing andplanned cal-val laboratories, test sites, and field
instruments. An information service is available

Recognising the potential of the Dossier as a powerfultool to assist future EO mission planning on a global
scale, and to optimise the investments made by CEO S
Members and Affiliates, the 1994 CEO S Plenary

WGISS: http://earth1.esrin.esa.it/wgiss
ACCESS SUBGROUP: http://ceos.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca
NETWORK SUBGROUP: http://nic.nasa.gov/ceos-ns

DATA SUBGROUP: http://www.dfd.dlr.de/CEOS/DS/d_ds_m
WGCV: http://www.eos.co.uk/ceos-calval
WGCV INFOSERVER: http://spso.gsfc.nasa.gov/calval/homepage– SAR Calibration Subgroup;– Infra-red and Visible O ptical Sensors Subgroup.

6

At the 10th CEO S Plenary in Canberra, November
1996, a Strategic Implementation Team (SIT) wasestablished to develop further and implement the spacecomponent of an overall IGO S - as well as toinvestigate the practical, political, and programmaticmechanisms for CEO S agencies and partners to act
upon recommendations regarding correction ofgaps/ overlaps in observing programmes.

1997 CEO S Yearbook

established a CEO S Task Force on Planning andAnalysis to improve and further develop the Dossierconcept, primarily through an electronic database
version.
The result is a comprehensive dataset of CEO S agency
programmes and instrument performances and CEO S
Affiliate requirements. This database is available in two
forms:- an on-line system available via the World Wide Web;- as a PC-based system for local use;both of which support the need for information on
EO mission plans, and the need for comparison withuser programme requirements to assist co-ordination inprogramme planning - such as in the IGO S initiative.
The two versions of the database are fundamental to
the work of the CEO S AG and it is using both specificimplementations of the core dataset and a number ofother tools to carry out its work (see section 3).
The on-line version developed by ESA, is available at
http:/ / ceos.esrin.esa.it/ dossier and the PC version isavailable from the WMO (see annex F for contact
details). Both versions of the database form thedefinitive reference guide to Earth observation
programmes and plans of governments world-wide.
CEO S also recognises the benefits of providing a“hard-copy” condensed summary of the detailed
information contained within the CEO S database(much along the lines of the original Dossier) andindeed this is contained within this Yearbook,primarily in section 5 and Annexes A and B.
More details on the development of the CEO S
database can be found in Annex A.

On-line services

The IDN offers information on over 5,000 relevant
datasets, plus details of data centres world-wide,
campaigns and projects, and satellites and instruments.
The heart of the IDN consists of 4 co-ordinating
nodes (held by NASA (USA), NASDA (Japan), ESA(Europe), and UNEP) which provide duplicate
databases of directory information on-line for open
access. Each co-ordinating node has a number ofregional co-operating nodes associated with it which
provide a path for local users to access or contribute to
the IDN. There are now a large number of such cooperating nodes throughout each region. The WGISSIDN task team is responsible for co-ordinating
activities among the nodes to maintain, improve andexpand the functions of the IDN and its greater use.
The CEO S Infosys is an online information service,
available via the World Wide
Web which provides
comprehensive and up-to-date information on CEO S
activities, as well as information on current andupcoming events and initiatives of interest to EO data
providers and users world-wide. The CEO S Infosys
incorporates the WGISS Yellow Pages - which is aworld-wide directory of on-line services for EO data
users, and serves as a practical guide for users andpotential users as to the availability and use of on-line
services for EO data (http./ / www.smithsys.co.uk/ yp).
The Yellow Pages gives practical assistance to users toenable them to navigate agency services and to accessand utilise available data products. O n-line services
focused on the needs of developing countries are
discussed later in this section.

CEOS Newsletter

The CEO S International Directory
Network (IDN) provides on-line accessto information on multi-disciplinaryscientific data held world-wide. Its goal isto permit rapid identification and location of
in-situ and remotely sensed data held bygovernment agencies, research organisations andacademic institutions.

The CEO S Newsletter, together with the CEO S
Infosys are the primary means of disseminating
information about CEO S to its agencies and the EO
satellite data user community. The Newsletter provides
readers with the latest information about CEO S
activities and is distributed internationally to a growing
number of subscribers on a 6-monthly basis. To date, 8
issues have been published which currently reach some
3,000 subscribers from CEO S and non-CEO S
organisations. As part of its contribution to the CEO S
secretariat, STA/ NASDA prepares and distributes the
newsletter which provides reports on CEO S Plenary
meetings, and the activities and achievements of the
CEO S working groups, IGO S developments, acalendar of events, and points of contact for further
information.

DOSSIER ON-LINE: http://ceos.esrin.esa.it/dossier
IDN: http://gcmd.gsfc.nasa.gov/ceosidn

INFOSYS: http://ceos.esrin.esa.it/infosys
WGISS YELLOW PAGES: http://www.smithsys.co.uk/yp

CEO S agencies have sponsored the development of anumber of on-line network data and information
services to promote awareness and education
concerning satellite Earth observation, to facilitate
access to information about the data available, and to
maximise utilisation of that data world-wide.

1997 CEO S Yearbook

7

CEO S Newsletter No.8 reports on: the 10th Plenary
in Canberra; CEO S and IGO S - The Way Forward;
and recent activities of the WGISS and WGCVWorking Groups. The next issue is due to be
published in September 1997.
The Newsletter is also available at the following
web site:
http:/ / www.eoc.nasda.go.jp/ guide/ guide/ committee/
ceos/ ceosnews_menu_e
Subscription request details can be found in annex F.

Promotion of EO applications
In 1995, the “CEO S Special Report on Successful
Applications of EO Satellite Data” was produced,
which demonstrated the current level of maturity ofsatellite data applications and illustrated the potentiallysignificant benefits – in social, economic andenvironmental terms – across a broad spectrum ofsectors such as agriculture, resource management, andcivil planning.
This activity was extended in 1996 through the
production of a CD-RO M “Resources in EarthO bservation” which featured a series of illustrative,
practical case studies, plus EO datasets andinformation, for educational use - particularly indeveloping countries. The CD may be navigated using
WWW browser software, allowing seamless access to
the resources stored on the CD and to those on theinternet which are identified in the CD.
A further development of the CD-RO M is expected
to be produced during 1997 - incorporating a newrange of case studies and tutorial materials for users.

2.4

8

EMERGING INITIATIVES

IGOS - Integrated Global
Observing Strategy
In conjunction with the International Group ofFunding Agencies for global change research (IGFA),
and other organisations, CEO S has initiated discussions
concerning the development of an Integrated Global
O bserving Strategy (IGO S) for all agencies involved in
the collection and analysis of both space-based and insitu data. CEO S has focused its effort on addressing
the space component of an IGO S, including theestablishment of six prototype projects designed todemonstrate the value of working within such an
integrated framework. Section 3 discusses IGO S in
more detail and the work of the groups established by
CEO S to develop the concept.

Private Sector Outreach
Although long pioneered and financed bygovernments, Earth observing satellite programmes are
now entering a new era, where both commercial andgovernmental missions will operate - each with theirown target users. 1997 is significant as the year
marking the onset of several commercially financed
and operated EO satellite missions - many with highresolution imagery capability (of order 1m resolution).

Recognising the need to represent the Earthobservation community in bodies such as theInternational Telecommunications Union, and theWorld R adio Conference, CEO S is developing plansto identify, co-ordinate, and reflect members’ interestsin these international organisations. Notably, CEO S
and the Space Frequency Co-ordination Group(SFCG) are now establishing mutual, informal,
observer status and liaison contacts. CEO S is managing
this activity and liaison through an Ad-hoc Coordination Group on Spectrum Management (contact
details in annex F).

D eveloping Countries Support
The fundamental aim of CEO S in its developing
country activities is to encourage the creation andmaintenance of indigenous capability that is integrated
into local decision-making processes – thereby
enabling developing countries to obtain maximum
benefit from Earth observation. Specific actions
include:1997 sees the launch of the CEO S Information
Locator Service (CILS) for developing countries. CILS
will provide a network-based means for users indeveloping countries around the world to accessinformation about satellite Earth observation, and will
enable them to enter, administer and share their dataand information. CILS will also contain informationof special interest to developing countries and provide
relevant points of contact.
With a view to improved harmonisation of efforts,
CEO S is currently in the process of reviewing anddocumenting members’ interests and resources appliedin support of developing countries.
These activities will be presented in a dedicated annual
report which will be submitted for the first time to the1997 CEO S Plenary.

– improving links and communications;– improving access mechanisms to relevant data;– training activities;– scientist exchange programmes.

Recognising the need for harmonisation of thegovernment and non-government led activities, CEO S
is in the process of initiating an outreach to nonmember organisations, such as regional private sector
organisations, through a proposed ‘dialogue partner’relationship. The practicalities of this idea are currently
being explored and the concept will be more fully
developed during the coming year.

Frequency allocation planning

CEO S agencies are mindful of the need to be
responsive to the changes in the requirements of thescientists, operational users and decision-makers which
drive their planning of EO satellite mission
programmes, and of the global economic and politicalcontext in which those programmes must operate.

The ongoing revolution in global telecommunications,
including satellite telecommunications, is placing
increasing pressure on use of the electromagnetic
spectrum and on the proper allocation of frequency
bands in the spectrum to ensure interference-free
operation for different services.

A number of the more recent initiatives emerging
from CEO S which reflect that awareness are discussed
below.

EO satellite missions are dependent upon use ofradio frequencies for the transmission of data to andfrom ground stations - and in the case of microwave
sensors, as the basic mechanism for their remotesensing operation.

CILS: http://cils.dlr.de
http://cils.jrc.it
http://cils.unep.org
http://cils.eoc.csiro.au

CEOS NEWSLETTER: http://www.eoc.nasda.go.jp/guide/guide/committee/ceos/ceosnews_menu_e1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

9

3 The Integrated Global Observing Strategy (IGOS)
3.1

OVERVIEW

National and international organisations are
considering how to derive greater benefit from both
operating and planned observing systems, in support ofincreasing applications of global Earth observations.
This assessment is occurring in an environment thatdemands adoption of performance measures congruent
with agency needs for continuous improvement. The
Committee on Earth O bservation Satellites (CEO S)
and the International Group of Funding Agencies for
global change research (IGFA), with otherorganisations, have initiated and participated ininternational discussions with the aim of outlining
possible ways to improve the integration of global
observation activities.
O ne of the prime drivers behind the current
discussion is the general acceptance that no single
nation can satisfy all of its observation requirements.
The need for co-operation between data-provider
agencies also arises from the fact that contemporary
data products often require the integration of multiple
observations from multiple sources. The scarcity offinancial resources is yet another compelling reason forimproved co-operation.

3.2

AIMS

An Integrated Global O bserving Strategy (IGO S)
should be the joint product of all agencies involved in
the collection and analysis of both space-based and insitu data. For an IGO S to be successful, agencies must
recognise and mutually support integration of the rolesof partner organisations. Discussions on the concept ofan IGO S have highlighted the need for better agency
interactions, both at the national and the international
level. A key characteristic will be the achievement ofoutcomes that are beyond the present capabilities ofexisting observing systems. An IGO S will provide an
over-arching strategy for observations to allow
organisations involved in the collection of data toextend their contribution, and assist user groups
requiring information from the systems to specify theirrequirements in a synergistic way. An IGO S must build
upon the strategies of existing international global
observation programs. It should also build uponcurrent achievements, with additional efforts being
directed to focus on those areas where satisfactoryinternational arrangements and structures do notcurrently exist. A successful IGO S will help nations
make better decisions in the allocation of resources tomeet their own priorities, by taking advantage ofbetter international collaboration and co-operation.

10

3.3

PARTNERSHIPIn discussions since late 1995, CEO S has appropriately
focussed its attention on the space component of an
IGO S. However, it recognises that an IGO S, by itsvery nature, must incorporate user requirements for all
sources of Earth observation data. IGFA has recognised
the importance of adequate spatial and temporal
resolution in global observations for global change
research to facilitate improvements to the prediction of
global change and to the assessment of impacts andmitigation/ adaptation strategies.
A key to the initiation of activities in support of thegoals of an IGO S will be the commitment of agencies
with responsibilities for space-based data acquisition
programs to formulate a structured, coherent set ofobservational strategies, which transcend national
requirements. Integration of relevant non-space data
should be a key element in an IGO S. A fullpartnership is required involving:(1) those international, regional and nationalorganisations with responsibilities for providing
in-situ observations;(2) space agencies;(3) science funding agencies; and(4) agencies with operational responsibilities.
The requirements definition for an IGO S must be user
driven and address the political protocols andconventions, eg IPCC and Agenda 21, as well as
programmatic support for specific research andoperational activities. The detailed products andservices to be developed within the concept of an
IGO S will be in response to requirements specified byuser communities.
CEO S, IGFA, and others have identified several highlevel attributes, or goals, that reflect the value of an
IGO S which, whilst applicable to space data, are also
valid for many aspects of non-space data:(i) provide a framework for a coherent set of user
requirements so that providers can respond to them;(ii) reduce unnecessary duplication of observations;(iii) assist in the improved allocation of resources
between different types of observation systems;(iv) make possible the creation of improved higher
level products by facilitating the integration of multiple
datasets from different agencies and national andinternational organisations;111997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

(v) provide a framework for decisions on continuity
and spatial comprehensiveness of key observations;(vi) identify situations where existing internationalarrangements do not exist for the management anddistribution of key global observations and products;(vii) assist in the transitioning of systems from research
to operational status through improved international
co-operation;(viii) provide improved understanding for
Governments on the need for global observation
through the presentation of an over-arching view ofcurrent system capabilities and limitations.
IGFA has joined CEO S in a Strategic Implementation
Team (SIT) to progress the development of an IGO S.
As Affiliates of CEO S, a number of international
scientific and inter-governmental user organisations,
including the Global Climate O bserving System(GCO S), the Global O cean O bserving System(GO O S), and the Global Terrestrial O bserving System(GTO S), are also participating in the SIT. The team’s
primary purpose is to agree on and implement a work
program supported by participating organisations thatreflects their capabilities, strengths and objectives,
whilst demonstrating the enhanced benefits to begained through mutual co-operation in the planningand use of integrated global observations. The work of
the SIT will set the framework for the implementationof the responsibilities of each of the participating
agencies.

As an outcome of its first meeting in Irvine, California
February 1997, the SIT, in consultation with G3O S
scientists, agreed to pursue six prototype projects ofinternational dimension designed to demonstrate theaccrued value of working within an IGO S framework.
Appended is a listing of the projects, together withidentified (to this date) provider and user participantorganisations. While the initial projects vary greatly
with regard to scope, they were selected on the basis ofdegree of political and societal importance, thefeasibility of early and tangible accomplishments, theclear need for an integrated global strategic approachand the existence of agencies willing to take the leadin developing a partnership.

3.4

The Global O cean Data Assimilation Experiment, forexample, builds upon a set of operational requirements
well articulated within the global ocean community
and is being developed as a high priority requirementof the GO O S/ GCO S/ WCR P O cean O bservations
Panel for Climate. As a further example, the Upper
Air Measurements Project was included in response to
an invitation by the Director of the WMO World
Weather Watch to the SIT. The project will investigate
the planned reduction in upper-air observations due tothe termination of the O MEGA navigational system,and the means to increase the quantity and quality ofobservations through the use of new technology fromsatellites, aircraft and 4-D assimilation methods.

(2) Extend the dialogue beyond CEO S and IGFA todevelop the IGO S concept and associated prototype
project activities in a partnership environment
involving other organisations. To achieve fullpartnership it is important that international scienceand inter-governmental user organisations, in particular
the G3O S and their sponsors, as well as WCR P and
IGBP, are involved in the process.

Acutely aware that the IGO S concept does not belong
to any single nation, agency or organisation, CEO S
and IGFA are proposing an expanded partnership to
evolve ideas on the definition, characterisation andvision of an IGO S. In particular, it is noteworthy that
the Sponsors of the Global O bserving Systems (G3O S,
ie GCO S, GO O S and GTO S) at their first meeting,
13-14 January 1997, discussed the elements and issues
that should be included in an integrated global
observing strategy as an umbrella for the three
O bserving Systems and other international observation
activities. WCR P, IGBP and other science andoperational entities also have key roles to play.
Integrated global observing can succeed only throughthe development of a synergistic partnership amongst
funding agencies responsible for the provision of spacebased and in-situ observations, user organisations, anduser communities.

NEXT STEPSCEO S and IGFA now propose to advance on two
fronts in implementing IGO S:(1) The SIT will refine and further develop thesix prototype projects. The projects are proceeding
through a series of workshops and are supported by
the work program of the CEO S Analysis Group, in
consultation with the Global O bserving System Space
Panel (GO SSP), of the G3O S. The status of the
projects will be reviewed at the SIT meeting inO xford, UK, in September 1997, and at the
IGFA Plenary in O ctober and the CEO S Plenary
in November.

This is planned to proceed as follows: the CEO S and
IGFA Chairmen have contacted senior officials of the
G3O S and other science and user organisations topropose informal discussions on the IGO S concept.
Informal IGO S discussion has already taken place at
the invitation of the FAO, in R ome mid-May, timed
with a meeting of the GTO S Steering Committee.
The CEO S Chair addressed the WMO Executive
Council in Geneva in mid-June on the topic of an
IGO S. A further informal discussion occurred lateJune in Paris, hosted by GO O S/ IO C and ICSU. An
informal discussion amongst prospective IGO S
partners was also arranged in Paris by the CEO S Chairin late June and further discussions were held in midSeptember. A further opportunity to develop thepartnership concept will occur in mid-September at an
UNEP-hosted meeting of the G3O S Sponsors Groupin Geneva.

1213

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

3.5 SUMMARY OF INITIAL IGOS
IMPLEMENTATION PROJECTSGLO BAL O CEAN DATA ASSIMILATIO N
EXPER IMENT
Issue: Need an integrated suite of remote (and direct)
measurements of the ocean for real-time assimilation,interpretation, and application. The project will
provide a regular, global depiction of the ocean
circulation, from climate down to ocean eddy scales,consistent with the measurements and appropriate
dynamic and physical constraints.
Tools Needed: Real-time satellite data stream; global
in-situ observing system; assimilation to exploit
integrated data stream; models and computer for
production and output; high bandwidthcommunications
Partners: GO O S/ GCO S/ WCR P O O PC, CNES,
ESA, NASA, EUMETSAT, NOAA, NASDA
Products/ Results: Global analyses/ forecasts based onlimited models, data streams; global products at
reduced resolution (time and space); global reports
based on past remote sensing & in-situ data; global
eddy-resolving analyses with reduced physics,
dynamics, assimilation; some regional analyses/
forecasts based on enhanced data models.

UPPER AIR MEASUR EMENTS
Issue: Ground-based radiosonde observations andomega sondes are being reduced and could impact
upon numerical weather prediction models.
Tools Needed: In-situ and satellite data of troposphericwinds and profiles of temperature and specifichumidity.
Partners: WMO, NOAA, EC, ESA, NASA, CNES,
EUMETSAT, ECMWF
Products/ Results: New/ improved satellite-derived
products assimilated into operational models.

LO NG-TER M CO NTINUITY O F O ZO NE
MEASUR EMENTS
Issue: No long-term strategy for continuity ofstratospheric ozone observations.
Tools Needed: Space and ground-based measurementsof total ozone and vertical profiles; ground-based
measurements of both ozone and spectrally resolved
surface UV; space-based full daily global coverage totalozone; vertical profiles of ozone and other species, andtemperaturePartners: WMO / IPCC, ESA, NASA, EUMETSAT,DAR A, CNES, NOAA, NASDA, ASI, CSA/ AES
Products/ Results: Commitment by identified agencies
to long-term total ozone and ozone vertical profile
measurements and data exchange.

GLO BAL O BSERVATIO N O F
FO R EST COVER

Partners: GO O S, IO C, NASDA, NASA, CSA, EC,
DAR A, ESA, NOAA, CNES, WGISS, WGCV

Issue: Monitoring of forest cover and its changes isessential to a variety of issues, including land coverchange, biodiversity, and renewable energy resources.
There is no systematic plan for routine acquisition andanalysis of data on global forest cover from optical andmicrowave satellites.

Products/ Results: Internationally co-ordinatedcalibration/ validation program to understand regional
influences and variations in the ocean environment;
integrated database with in-situ and satellite data;
multi-sensor data streams and products.

Tools Needed: O ptical and microwave imaging
satellites (already in existence and planned); acquisition
stations & processing facilities
Partners: GCO S/ GTO S TO PC, IGBP LUCC, FAO,
CSA/ CCR S, INPE, ESA, EC, NASA, CNES,
EUMETSAT, ASI, NASDA, NOAA
Products/ Results: Database of georeferenced highresolution data with periodic systematic coverage of allforested areas globally; periodic analysis of change on
regional and global scale

LO NG-TER M O CEAN BIO LO GY
MEASUR EMENTS
Issue: Multiple ocean colour sensors in operation andplanned need co-ordinated strategy to support dataneeds for scientific studies of ocean biogeochemicaland ecosystem processes.
Tools Needed: Satellite & in-situ observations; coordinated cal/ val campaign

14

DISASTER MANAGEMENT SUPPO RT
Issue: Earth observation satellite data is not being fully
utilised to support disaster prediction, monitoring, andmitigation on a world-wide basis.
Tools Needed: Information systems to locate, acquire,reformat as necessary, and deliver Earth observation
satellite data products rapidly to emergency response
authorities; improved understanding of therequirements of emergency response authorities.
Partners: NOAA, EC, ESA, BNSC, ASI,
STA/ NASDA, NASA, CSA, CNES, WGISS, CCR S,
Council of Europe, DAR A, ESCAP, EUMETSAT,GTO S, IDNDR , INPE, R PA PLANETA, WCR P,
WMO
Products/ Results: Work with subset of agencies withbroad geographic responsibility to develop an initialrequirements and capabilities profile for thecontribution of EO satellite data; and to
implementation of a capabilities demonstrator.

15

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

4 Capabilities of Earth observation
A variety of instruments are flown on space missions,employing both active and passive sensing technology,
covering a wide range of the electromagnetic
spectrum.
These instruments provide information on a diverse
range of geophysical parameters and phenomena;
information which is of value to disciplines such as:- atmospheric chemistry;- atmospheric physics;- oceanography;- ocean biology;- land studies;- climate studies;- solid Earth studies.
Meteorology is recognised to be the most establisheddiscipline for application of EO satellite data, withsatellite-derived information being used operationallyby weather services world-wide. Dedicatedmeteorological satellites have been in operation
providing continuous coverage of much of the globe
for many years.
Following in the pioneering footsteps of meteorology,
a growing number of applications are finding value inthe unique perspectives offered by satellite Earthobservation, including agriculture, resource
management, exploration, mapping and planning, andhazard monitoring and disaster assessment. Given the
global data collection capabilities offered by EO
satellites, many applications are of direct relevance tointernational issues such as climate change andsustainable development. But equally, informationfrom EO satellites is contributing successfully tonational and local needs. As a result of sustained
investment by space agencies information derived from
EO satellites is proving to be of direct benefit in bothpublic and commercial spheres. This trend ishighlighted by the number of missions dedicated to
specific applications and the improvements in sensing
technology and techniques, such as higher spatial
resolution. Furthermore, developments in IT andtelecommunications technology are leading to reduced
EO data handling costs and enabling EO information
to be exploited more widely and more effectively.

comprise instruments from existing instrument series
and over 80 instruments will be new. These
instruments will provide measurements of many
parameters of interest to those studying the Earth’s
environment (see section 5 for more details).
Information on these missions and instruments, theircapabilities and their applications is given in annexes A
and B.
For ease of discussion, the different instruments listed
in annex B may be arranged into the list of categories
indicated in the panel below:
INSTRUMENT CATEGORIES

Atmospheric chemistry instruments
Atmospheric sounders (IR & microwave)
Cloud profile and rain radars
Earth radiation budget radiometers
High resolution imagers
Imaging multi-spectral radiometers (vis/IR)
Imaging multi-spectral radiometers (microwave)
Imaging radars
LidarsMulti-directional radiometers
Ocean colour radiometers
Polarimetric radiometers
Radar altimeters
Wind scatterometers

Plans for future missions and instruments include
demonstrators of new and potentially valuable
technology such as cloud radars and lidars. They also
include the continuation of existing satellites toprovide long-term datasets such as those data provided
by the NOAA polar orbiter series.
The following section gives a brief discussion on the
different types of instruments which feature on Earthobservation missions, including a list of the relevant
instruments of this type from the full catalogue inannex B, a description of the operational
characteristics, and pointers to the key areas ofapplication in each case. For further details of theseapplication areas, the reader is referred to section 5.

CEO S agencies are planning more than 70 missions
for operation over the next 15 years, carrying over 200
different instruments - of these, some 120 will

16

17

D ESCRIPTIONAPPLICATIONSD ESCRIPTION

Atmospheric trace gases may be observed by detecting
absorption or emission from their characteristic
spectral lines. Atmospheric chemistry spectrometers
and radiometers rely on this to provide information
about the chemical composition of the atmospherefrom passive measurements of the radiation present
over a range of wavelengths, between the UV andmicrowave.

Measurements from atmospheric chemistry
instruments are for the first time providing a global
picture of the atmosphere and how it is varying on adaily, seasonal and geographical basis. These
measurements have applications in a wide range offields from monitoring emissions from volcanic
eruptions through to climatology and operational
meteorology.

Relatively broad-band radiometers may be used todetect the strong bands observed from ozone. For
many other trace gases, however, high spectral
resolution spectrometers are required since only very
weak lines are available, and these are generally
embedded in the continuum of lines from moreabundant gases such as water vapour and carbon
dioxide.

Historically, atmospheric chemistry spectrometers andradiometers were first used to monitor stratosphericozone levels. Increasingly, instruments are now
becoming available which offer information on othertrace gases, including greenhouse gases which affectclimate change, chemically active gases which affectthe environment, and other gases and radicals
impacting on the ozone cycle which therefore affectboth climate and the environment.

IR and microwave atmospheric sounders provide
information on the distribution of radiation emitted by
the atmosphere from which vertical profiles oftemperature and humidity through the atmospheremay be obtained. In general, sounders operate in nadir
viewing mode and perform passive measurements of
the radiation only in a finite number of channelsaligned with the spectral features associated with thespecies under observation.

The instruments are conventionally used in either
nadir or limb-viewing mode:- Nadir instruments look directly down at the Earthand measure the radiation emitted or scattered in asmall solid angle centred about a given spot on the
Earth - they typically provide high horizontal spatial
resolution, but are limited in vertical resolution.

O xygen or carbon dioxide is usually used as a tracer
for temperature profiles since it is essentially uniformly
distributed throughout the atmosphere, and hencetemperature sounders often have a number of channels
centred around the oxygen and carbon dioxide
emission lines. For humidity profiling, either IR or
microwave bands in the water spectrum are used.
Although microwave sounders have the ability tosound through cloud and hence offer nearly allweather capability, their spatial resolution (both verticaland horizontal) is generally lower than that of the IR
instruments. IR sounders are routinely used to provide
temperature profiles from a few km altitude to the topof the atmosphere with a temperature accuracy of 2 3 K, a vertical resolution of around 10km and ahorizontal resolution of between 10 and 100km.

ESA

ESA

- Limb viewing instruments, by contrast, scan
positions beyond the horizon so as to observehorizontal paths through the Earth’s atmosphere atdifferent altitudes - this geometry allows for very highvertical resolution, of order a few km, and isparticularly useful for studying the middle atmosphere,
although horizontal resolution is limited to around300km. Limb viewing allows measurements in either
emission or absorption mode. O ccultation(absorption), techniques rely either on the Sun orother stars as the radiation source.

In the future, the vertical resolution of these
instruments is likely to increase to up to 1km. In
addition, an extension of the measurements towards
the lower atmosphere will allow for improved
pollution monitoring capabilities and modelling of
atmospheric processes. Better radiometric accuracy will
also be achieved through improvements to light
diffusion apparatus within some instruments.

Sounders are able to discriminate between radiation
coming from different levels in the atmosphere byobserving the spectral broadening of an emission line.
This broadening, which is primarily caused byintermolecular collisions with other species, decreases
with atmospheric pressure. The radiation received at
the instrument with a wavelength close to the centreof the emission line will hence originate in the upper
atmosphere, whilst radiation incident away from centreof the emission line will come from the lower levels in
the atmosphere.

Future sounders such as the interferometer-based IASI
are likely to benefit from improvements both in theaccuracy of humidity and temperature measurements
and also in the vertical spatial resolution. They shallalso have better spatial resolution and upper
atmospheric sounding capabilities than current
instruments. Developments in on-board instrument
calibration will also eliminate the need for someinternal calibration checks, freeing sensors to gather
more data. Future microwave sounders will provide
significantly improved global soundings andinformation on precipitation and ice.

INSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE

174-K
AIRS
AMSU
AMSU-A
AMSU-BGRAS
HIRS/2
HIRS/3
HIRS/4HSB
IASI
IR imager
MASTER
MHS
MIVZA
MSU
MTVZA
MWR
Radiometer
SOUNDERSSUAPPLICATIONS
Most atmospheric sounders are carried on polar
orbiters although a few are carried on geostationary
satellites. The comprehensive global coverage offeredby these make them useful for providing inputs todaily weather forecasts. Atmospheric sounders may be
used to infer a wide range of key atmosphericparameters. The temperature and humidity profiles
obtained from these instruments are used for
operational meteorology and to build up acomprehensive weekly, monthly and seasonal databaseof values. By studying this database, scientists are able
to increase their understanding of the global climate
which enables them not only to improve their skills forextended range weather and climate forecasting, butalso helps them to understand and differentiate
important man-made changes in climate from naturalvariations.
In addition to atmospheric profiles, these instruments
may contribute information on the total column, or
precipitable, water content of the atmosphere, and on
atmospheric discontinuities and instabilities.

NOAA

COALA
DOPI
GOME
GOME-2GOMOS
HALOE
HiRDLSHRDI
IASI
ILAS-IIISTOK-1
MASTERMIPAS
MLS
MOPITT
Ozon-M
SAGE III
SBUV/2SCIAMACHY
SFM-2
SOPRANOTES
TOMS
UV-visible
spectrometer
WIND II

Atmospheric sounders (IR & microwave)

NOAA

INSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE

Atmospheric chemistry instruments

Global distribution of monthly-averaged downward longwave
radiation measured by HIRS - such data are used to validate outputs
of weather forecast models
The GOME spectrometer monitors
global ozone levels on a daily basis

Improved understanding of climate variations gained from EO
satellites can help mitigate natural disasters such as floods
TOMS instrument data has recorded long term
observations of Antarctic ozone depletion

18

WINDII: http://www.cress.yorku.ca/windii/windii

AIRS: http://www-airs.jpl.nasa.gov

HIRDLS: http://webserver.gsfc.nasa.gov/csfp/hirdls/hirdls

HRDI: http://www.sprl.umich.edu/HRDI/hrdi_homepage

HIRS: http://faster.gsfc.nasa.gov/HIRS/HIRS

TOMS: http://jwocky.gsfc.nasa.gov

GOME: http://pooh.esrin.esa.it:8888/eeo/fr/eeo4.63/eeo4.96

IASI: http://www-projet.cst.cnes.fr:8000/iasi/mission

SOUNDER: http://www.noaa.gov/news_flash/GOES

19

Cloud radarPR
Rain radar

Earth radiation budget radiometers

D ESCRIPTIONAPPLICATIONSD ESCRIPTION

These instruments are predominantly based on active
microwave radar systems. Cloud profile radars use very
short wavelength (mm) radar to detect scattering from
non-precipitating cloud droplets or ice particles
thereby yielding information on cloud characteristics
such as moisture content and base height. R ain radars
use centimetric radiation to detect backscatter fromwater drops and ice particles in precipitating clouds,
and to measure the vertical profile of such particles.

Measurements from cloud radar will give information
on cloud type and amount, and more importantly on
cloud profile (currently not measured), information
which is required both for improving numerical
weather prediction and for climate studies.
Measurements of liquid water and precipitation ratefrom space-borne rain radars will also provide a uniquesource of information, since the ground based rainradars used at present have limited coverage over theoceans. The availability of an extensive global dataset
will be a valuable tool for climatologists and will havesignificant implications for meteorological forecasting.

These instruments provide measurements of thevarious components of the radiation budget. The
instruments offer a high radiometric accuracy to allow
accurate absolute measurements. Most radiometers
have a narrow field of view and are used to measure
the radiance in a particular direction. Using this,
together with information on the angular properties of
the radiation, the radiation flux may be obtained. In
general, different instruments are used to measure thedifferent components of the radiation budget:

O ne of the key challenges with rain radars is
suppressing the return from surface clutter, which isinevitably much stronger than the rain echo. R adars
are now being developed, however, which can map
the 3-D distribution of precipitating water and ice in a
relatively narrow swath (around 200km) along the
track of a low altitude satellite and thereby infer more
precise estimates of instantaneous rainfall.

Information on tropical rainfall is of particularimportance, since more than two thirds of global
rainfall is in the Tropics, and is a primary driver ofglobal atmospheric circulation.

– broad-band radiometers are used to cover the fullrange of incoming solar radiation (0.2 – 4.0
microns) and to monitor the long-wave emitted
Earth radiation (3 – 50 microns) – this range may
be covered either by two single channels, or by aseries of narrower band channels;– short wave radiometers are used to measure thereflected short-wave radiation from the Earth.

NASDA

To date, there have been no rain or cloud profile
radars flown in space. The NASDA Precipitation
R adar (PR ) which shall be flown on board theTropical R ainfall Measuring Mission (TR MM) will be
the first space-borne rain radar. TR MM is due to belaunched in November 1997. Cloud radars are still at
the development stage. Currently, research is being
conducted using ground-based and airborne radars togain a better understanding of cloud properties andtheir associated radar response, and it is expected that
this work will form the basis for specifying a cloudradar instrument. The earliest potential cloud radars
are likely to be flown on a future ESA mission.

Advanced instruments have a directional capability andchannels which allow study of the anisotropy andpolarisation characteristics of the radiation fluxes.
O ther instruments measure the true total radiation flux
at the satellite. Although such instruments do not
require information on the shape of the radiation field,
their spatial resolution is much poorer than that offeredby directional radiometers.

INSTRUMENT
CATALOGUEACRIM
ACRIM II
CERES
ERBE
GERB
ISP-2M
ScaRaB
SFM-2
SOLSTICESUSIMAPPLICATIONThe Earth’s radiation budget is an important forcing
function behind change. Earth radiation budget
radiometers offer a unique contribution tounderstanding of the budget, together with its
relationship to global warming such as that resulting
from the greenhouse effect. In addition, informationfrom these instruments is of interest in studies ofclouds (to investigate cloud radiation forcing, forexample) and albedo.

Infrared fluxes from the Earth’s surface have been
mapped over long periods by sensors such as ERBE

CNES

When combined with information that is required toaccount for the effects of atmosphere, direct
measurements made by these instruments at the top of
the atmosphere also allow for investigation of radiation
fluxes at the Earth’s surface.

In the future, broad-band Earth budget radiometerdata will be available from geostationary orbit offeringsignificantly improved spatial resolution andradiometric accuracy, and more frequent dataacquisition compared to current EO sources. These
data will enable the development of more accurate
models for converting sun radiance to top-ofatmosphere flux.

NASA

INSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE

Cloud profile and rain radars

TOKAI UNIV

Instruments on TRMM will provide quantitative data on
rainfall and cloud characteristics at tropical latitudes

Tropical clouds play an important role in global climate

20

PR: http://hdsn.eoc.nasda.go.jp/guide/guide/satellite/sendata/pr_e

The Earth energy budget – the numbers indicate the average energy
fluxes over one year, at a global scale

CERES: http://cirrus.larc.nasa.gov/ASDceres

SCARAB: http://www-project.cst.cnes.fr:8060/scarab/Mission

SCARAB: http://w3.gkss.de/ScaRaB

SOLSTICE: http://lasp.colorado.edu/solstice
SUSIM: http://louis14.nrl.navy.mil/susim_uars

21

High resolution imagers provide detailed images of the
Earth’s surface. In general, these are nadir-viewing
instruments with a horizontal spatial resolution in therange 10 to 100 m, and swath widths of order 100km.
In the near future, very high resolution (VHR )imagery with a spatial resolution in the range 1m to
5m will be available from a number of commercial
sources. High resolution imagers operate within thevisible to IR range and typically record images
simultaneously at a number of wavelengths within thisrange. This increases the information content that may
be derived from the imagery (including the ability forclassification) and allows corrections to be made, forexample, for the effects of atmospheric water vapour
on the measured surface parameters. In order toreduce atmospheric absorption and to increase image
quality, the operating wavelengths of these instruments
are selected to coincide with atmospheric windows.
The instruments in this category do, however, sufferfrom an inability to penetrate thick cloud, rain or fog,
and many are restricted to fair weather, daytime-onlyoperation although some have pointing capability
which enables imagery of specified areas to beacquired more frequently.

ASTER
AVNIR-2AWiFS
Camea
CCD camera
ETM+
Gemma
HRG
HRV
HRVIR
Imaging
spectrometer
IRMSS
KFA-200
KFA-1000
KFA-3000LATILISS I
LISS II
LISS III
LISS IV
MK-4
MK-4M
MOMS-2PMSS
MSU-E
MSU-E1MSU-E2MSU-EUOPS
PAN
Panchromatic
sensor
PRISM (ALOS)TM
WFI camera

APPLICATION
The data from high resolution imagers has perhaps thewidest range of application of any instrument category.
Multi-purpose sea and land imagery, for example, isused to provide information on:- the nature and extent of land cover, both regionallyand locally;- vegetation type and structure (for example,
to identify deforestation in tropical areas ordesertification);- agriculture;- geological mapping;- the extension of inland water bodies, including
floods;- coastal erosion;- mapping and cartography.
In addition, measurements from these imagers cancontribute to investigations of cloud properties andextent, albedo and aerosol distribution over the oceans.
Much of this information helps ecologists assess theimpact of natural climate variations and humaninduced activities on natural and managed ecosystems.

D ESCRIPTIONAPPLICATIONSVisible/ IR imaging multi-spectral radiometers are used
to image the Earth’s atmosphere and surface, providing
accurate spectral information at lower spatial resolution
than the imagers discussed in the previous section.
Sensing usually occurs in multiple narrow, precisely
calibrated spectral channels. The spatial resolution
obtained typically varies from 100m up to several km,
and the swath width is generally in the range several
hundred to a few thousand km. These instrument
cannot penetrate cloud or rain and hence are
predominantly limited to clear weather observations.

Measurements from these multi-spectral radiometers
operating in IR and visible bands may be used to infera wide range of parameters, including information on
sea and land surface temperatures, snow and sea ice
cover, and Earth surface albedo. These instruments
may also make measurements of cloud cover andcloud-top temperatures, and measurements of the
motion vectors of clouds made by radiometers on
geostationary satellites may be used in order to derive
tropospheric wind estimates.

The information obtained from these instruments isoften complemented by that from atmosphericsounders, since in deriving parameters such as surface
temperatures, atmospheric effects such as absorption
must be taken into account.
Recent developments include improvements in spatial
resolution, in some cases, equivalent to those of highresolution imagers, and in spectral resolution andradiometric accuracy. Planned hyperspectral
instruments will be able to simultaneously acquire
imagery in many tens of wavebands which should
significantly improve the quality of land cover and land
use information derived from satellite imagery.

IINSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE
Geostationary
orbit

BTVK
IMAGER (GOES)
IMAGER (MTSAT)
Multi-spectral
Visible and IR
Scanning
Radiometer
MVIRI
SEVIRI
VHRR
VISSR

Visible/ IR radiometers are an important source of dataon processes in the biosphere, providing information
on global-scale vegetation and its variations on subseasonal scales which allow monitoring of natural,
anthropogenic, and climate-induced effects on land
ecosystems. Classification and seasonal monitoring ofvegetation types on a global basis allows modelling ofprimary production (the growth of vegetation that isthe base of the food chain) and terrestrial carbon
balances. Such information is of great value insupporting the identification of drought areas andprovides early warning on food shortages.

Low Earth
orbit

AATSR
ATSR
ATSR-2
AVHRR/2
AVHRR/3
GIS
GLI
KlimatMERISMODISMOS (IRS P3)
MOS(PRIRODA)
MR-2000
MR-2000M
MR-900MR-900B
MR-900M
MS
MSR
MSU-M
MSU-S
MSU-SKOBAPOLDERPRISM(ESA Future
missions)
TV camera
UV-visible
spectrometer
VEGETATION
VIRS
VIS/IR Imager
WiFS
WS

Multi-spectral radiometers are also important sourcesof ocean colour data, although more specialist
instrument types are emerging for precise ocean
colour measurements (see section on ocean
colour radiometers).

CNES

NASA

RSA/RISDE

There is a wide range of examples of this category of
instrument - many countries have and/ or are planning
imaging programmes. Future imagers may have agreater number of sampling channels and are likely tohave improved resolution, both spectral and spatial. In
1998, instruments capable of acquiring panchromatic
imagery at 1m spatial resolution and multi-spectral
imagery (3-4 bands, visible/ NIR ) at better than 5m
resolution will become operational. More instruments
will also become available that are capable ofproducing stereo images from data collected on asingle orbit, ie along track, as opposed to across track
whereby stereo images are acquired from different
passes. In addition, more instruments will become
available with the capability of acquiring anddistributing data to users nearer to real-time.

IGBP

D ESCRIPTIONINSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE

Imaging multi-spectral radiometers (visible/IR)

NOAAHigh resolution imagers

This landcover map shows global vegatation at 1km resolution.
Multispectral imagers are an important source of inventory
information for monitoring climate change

Mapping sensors
have been used tomonitordeforestation in the
Amazon basin

22

Seasonal cycle of fractional greeness – polar
orbiting satellites such as NOAA and METOP
will provide daily global information on Earth
System processes

MSU-SK images of the Aral Sea in 1993 (left) and 1996 (right) - highresolution imagery is used to detect and monitor land cover change

23

ALOS: http://alos.nasda.go.jp/alos/alos

LANDSAT: http://geo.arc.nasa.gov/sge/landsat/l7

AVHRR: http://www.esdim.noaa.gov

MODIS: http://ltpwww.gsfc.nasa.gov/MODIS/MODISASTER: http://asterweb.jpl.nasa.gov

MOMS-2P: http://www.nz.dlr.de/moms2p

IMAGER (GOES): http://www.noaa.gov/news_flash/GOES

MSR: http://hdsn.eoc.nasda.go.jp/guide/guide/satellite/satdata/mos_e

IRS 1c: http://www.eosat.com/EOS/irs

SPOT: http://www.spotimage.fr

METEOSAT: http://gds.esrin.esa.it/meteosat

POLDER: http://earth-sciences.cnes.fr:8060/polder/Mission
VIRS: http://hdsn.eoc.nasda.go.jp/guide/guide/satellite/sendata/virs_e

INSTRUMENT
CATALOGUEAMSR
AMSR-E
IKAR-DIKAR-NIKAR-P
JMR
MSMR
MWR
MZOAS
R-225
R-400
RM-0.8
TMI

Imaging multi-spectral radiometers (microwave)

Imaging radars

D ESCRIPTIONAPPLICATIONSD ESCRIPTIONAPPLICATIONS

Imaging multi-spectral radiometers operate in a
number of channels at microwave wavelengths, withthe associated advantage of cloud penetration andhence all weather capability. Depending upon theexact frequency channels used, other advantages overvisible/ IR radiometers include the ability to probe thedielectric properties of a surface or to penetrate certain
surfaces - especially useful with vegetation and soil.
As with other imaging radiometers, although these
instruments offer accurate spectral information, their
spatial resolution is poor. At 90 GHz, the spatial
resolution is typically 5km, and for the lower
frequencies it is of order tens of kilometres.
The spatial resolution of the images produced by thesemicrowave radiometers is generally poorer than that of
their visible or infra-red counterparts. As aconsequence, they are used for global rather thanregional or local analysis.

Measurements from the imaging microwave
radiometers may be used to infer a range ofparameters. Snow and ice mapping (often in
conjunction with other instruments) has become oneof the primary uses of these instruments, due in partto their capability for cloud penetration. Current
applications of passive microwave radiometer data
include operational forecasting and climate analysis,
and the prediction of sea ice concentration, extent andice type. Passive microwave radiometers are also used
to provide cloud liquid water content information.

Imaging radars generate microwave images of a surface.
Such radars generally have a high spatial resolution(between 10m and 100m) and a swath width of around100km. Both synthetic aperture radars (SAR s) andsome real aperture imaging radar systems fall into thiscategory. The images produced have a similar
resolution to those from high resolution opticalimagers, but radars have the capability to “see”
through clouds providing data on an all weather,day/ night basis. SAR s also have the ability to penetrate
vegetation and to sample surface roughness and surface
dielectric properties. They may also be used to obtainpolarisation information and although the operating
wavelength is in general fixed for a given radar, radars
operating at a variety of wavelengths are available.

Although a variety of backscatter measurements may
be taken by imaging radars, interpretation of thesemeasurements is a complex and developing science.
However, significant advances in a number of areas andoperational applications are emerging.

These instruments can also supply information on soil
moisture content, which is a key surface parameter inagriculture, hydrology, and climatology, and provides ameasure of vegetation health.
Imaging microwave radiometers are also capable ofcontributing information on ocean salinity, which isimportant to our understanding of ocean circulation.

Interferometric SAR s record the phase shift between 2
images recorded at slightly different times, thereby
providing accurate information on the motion of
surfaces and targets and allowing large scale 3-D
topographical images to be produced. Similar stereo
images may be produced using conventional SAR
images taken on adjacent orbits.

CCRS / RADASATNOAAAnnual precipitation averaged over a 3year period – the global coverage ofsatellite imagery is essential for
producing global precipitation statistics

AMI - SAR
image andwave modes
ASAR
LightSARPALSARRLSBO
SAR (ESA
Future Missions)
SAR(JERS-1)
SAR(RADARSAT)
Travers SAR

Backscatter from the ocean can be used to deducesurface waves, to detect and analyse surface features
such as fronts, eddies, and oil slicks, and to detect andtrack ships. O perational wave and sea ice forecasting is
also an important and growing near real-time
application of SAR data.
Land images may be used to infer information onvegetation type and cover, and are therefore of use inforestry and agriculture - the ability of SAR s topenetrate cloud cover makes them particularly valuable
in rainforest studies, and also in resource monitoring
applications. The information obtained from such
images depends upon the characteristics (egwavelength) of the probing radiation - under certain
conditions, for example, some penetration ofvegetation may be feasible. Such imagery is often usedin order to complement visible/ IR multi-spectral
imagery by, in effect, providing an additional
microwave channel. O ne of the most importantcurrent applications of imaging radars, however, is in
all-weather measurements of snow and ice sheets, fromwhich information on topography, texture and motion
may be inferred.
ESA/NPA Satellite Mapping

The beam shape and direction of future SAR s will
enable imagery to be acquired from many points on
the Earth more frequently. Multipolarised SAR s will
enable land cover to be classified more accurately andwill provide quantitative data on biophysicalparameters such as soil moisture and biomass.

INSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE

RADARSAT imagery showing the build up of
refugees around the airfield in Goma, Congo(ex Zaire), over a 10-day period. SAR
imagery is an important source of data inregions frequently shrouded with clouds
ERS SAR imagery is an important source of data forinterferometric applications. This example shows how
SAR imagery can be used to detect and measuresubsidence in urban areas

24

AMSR: http://www.eorc.nasda.go.jp/ADEOS-II/AMSR/amsr
MSU SK: http://www.ire.rssi.ru/priroda/MSU-SK/Msu_sk

TMI: http: //hdsn.eoc.nasda.go.jp/guide/guide/satellite/sendata/tmi_e

ERS SAR:

JERS-1:

http://pooh.esrin.esa.it:8888/eeo/fr/eeo4.63/eeo4.128

http://www.eoc.nasda.go.jp/guide/guide/satellite/satdata/sar_e
RADARSAT SAR: http://radarsat.space.gc.ca

25

Lidars
APPLICATIONSD ESCRIPTIONAPPLICATIONS

Lidars, or LIght Detection And R anging instruments,
measure the radiation that is returned either fromparticles in the atmosphere or from the Earth’s surface
when illuminated by a laser source. Compared withradar, the shorter wavelengths used in a lidar allow
greater detail to be observed, but cannot penetrate
optically thick layers such as clouds.

The different types of lidar may be used to measure adiverse range of parameters. R anging and altimeter
lidars may be used to provide surface topography
information, for example on ice sheet height and land
altitude. Multifrequency ranging lidars with probe
wavelengths in the visible and near IR will be used tomeasure aerosol height distributions and cloud height.

There are a number of different types of lidar
instrument:

Differential absorption and backscatter lidar may be
used to measure cloud properties over an extended
swath width, and Doppler lidars may be used tomeasure 3-D winds. This capability for measuring
clear air winds (ie in the absence of clouds or winds
above clouds) is of particular importance since it will
provide a unique source of information formeteorological forecasting, with the potential forsignificant improvements in accuracy.

Multi-directional radiometers are able to makeobservations of the diffused or emitted radiation from aparticular element of the Earth’s surface or clouds from
more than one incidence angle. In this way,
information on anisotropies in the radiation may be
identified. The emphasis in these instruments is on
spectral rather than spatial information with the resultthat the detection channels, which typically span thevisible to the IR , are precisely calibrated and the spatial
resolution is usually of order 1km.

In the IR , the multiple viewing angle capability ofthese radiometers is used to achieve accurate
corrections for the effects of (variable) atmosphericabsorption and therefore to infer precise temperature
values, for example, of sea and land surfaces. In
addition to accurate measurements of surface
temperature, multi-directional radiometers are also
capable of measuring cloud cover and cloud top
temperature together with atmospheric water vapour
and liquid water content.

- the backscatter lidar, in which the laser beambackscattered, reflected or re-radiated by the target
gives information on the scattering and extinction
coefficients of the various atmospheric layers being
probed;- the differential absorption lidar which analyses thereturns from a tuneable laser at different
wavelengths to determine densities of specificatmospheric constituents as well as water vapour
and temperature profiles;- Doppler lidar which measures the Doppler shift ofthe light backscattered from aerosol particles
transported by the wind, thereby allowing thedetermination of wind velocity;

There are as yet few instruments in this category,
although a number are planned for future missions.
Future instruments will have better spatial and spectral
resolution and will acquire imagery from many moreangles than current instruments. The additional
information contained in these data will make itpossible to set limits on particle size and composition,
as well as aerosol amount, measured over the ocean.
The new data will also be used to derive aerosol
properties.
Multi-angle imaging of globally distributed cloudy
regions at high resolution will enable direct validationof theoretical models and provide cloud-top height
information not previously available.

- the ranging and altimeter lidar which provides
accurate measurements of the distance from areference height to precise locations on the
Earth’s surface.

ESA

In the visible and near IR spectrum, these instrumentsallow for improved measurements of the scattering
properties of particles such as aerosols, and for the
angular characteristics of the various contributions to
the Earth radiation budget, including surface albedo
to be measured. They also enable accurate
measurement of parameters such as Normalised
Difference Vegetation Indices (NDVI) which areused to assess vegetation state and crop yield atregional and global scales.

ATSR-2 image showing
dispersion of ash from Mt
Ruapeliu, New Zealand imagery such as this is apotentially important sourceof data for monitoring
geological hazards

Principle of Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL)

Atmospheric features detectable by
Lidar as a function of latitude

26

AATSR
ATSR
ATSR-2MISR
POLDER

RAL/ CLRC

There are, as yet, no space-borne lidars although someexperimental instruments have been flown on theSpace Shuttle, and several lidars are planned for satellite
missions in the near future.

INSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE

RAL/ CLRC

ALADINALISSA
ATLID
GLAS
Laser
altimeter
LIDAR
VCL

D ESCRIPTIONESAINSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE

Multi-directional radiometers

VCL: http://essp.gsfc.nasa.gov/vcl

Global sea surface temparature map produced using ATSR-2 data inaccuracies caused by atmospheric effects can be removed from multidirectional radiometer data enabling precise measurements to be made

ATSR/ AATSR:
http://pooh.esrin.esa.it:8888/eeo/fr/eeo4.63/eeo4.80
http://www.atsr.rl.ac.uk

POLDER: http://earth-sciences.cnes.fr:8060/polder/Mission27

D ESCRIPTIONAPPLICATIONSD ESCRIPTIONAPPLICATIONS

O cean colour radiometers and imaging spectrometers
measure the radiance leaving marine waters in thevisible and near IR spectrum in the range 0.4 to 0.8
microns, where the colour is characterised by theconstituents of the water, typically phytoplankton,
suspended particulate material and dissolved
compounds. Differences in the intensity of lightreceived in the different bands gives information on
the concentration of a variety of substances present in
the ocean.

The colour of the oceans as seen from space is anindirect measurement of ocean biomass and its
associated productivity, via phytoplankton pigment
concentration (chlorophyll). These parameters are of
considerable oceanographic and climatologicalsignificance as oceanic productivity 'drives' the air-tosea exchange of biogenic greenhouse gasses (eg CO 2).
O cean colour imagery can also be used to guidefishing fleets to biologically-rich areas. O ther data that
may be inferred from ocean colour measurements
includes information about suspended matter(useful in coastal studies), biological productivity,
marine pollution and coastal-zone water dynamics(eddies, currents, etc).

Polarimetric radiometers form a special category ofimaging radiometer. They are used for applications inwhich radiative information is embedded in thepolarisation state of the transmitted, reflected or
scattered wave. This type of instrument can measure
the polarisation state of the received radiation in agiven waveband. Polarimetric radiometers usuallyoperate in the visible and IR bands, and as with otherradiometers, the bands used are generally precisely
calibrated so that accurate spectral information is
obtained. In addition, some polarimetic radiometers
have a multi-directional capability so that directional
information can also be determined.

The polarisation information received by theseradiometers may be used to infer a variety ofparameters, including the size and scattering propertiesof liquid water, cloud particles and aerosols. In
addition, these instruments offer the potential toprovide additional information on the optical thickness
and phase of clouds.

EOSP
POLDER

Polarimetric radiometers also provide information on
the polarisation state of the radiation backscatteredfrom the Earth’s surface which supplements
measurements obtained from other land and sea
imaging instruments. Such measurements are ofinterest in a range of applications from investigations ofalbedo and reflectance to agriculture and theclassification of vegetation.

USNMFS

These instruments have very narrow detection
channels, around 10 nanometres wide, to measure fine
spectral details. The spatial resolution of these
instruments is typically 0.3km to 1km.
O cean colour radiometers are currently being
developed which will have improved spatial, spectral
and radiometric resolution compared to existing andprevious instruments. Significant calibration andvalidation activities and algorithm development also
continues – particularly with respect to measuring
ocean productivity.

INSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE

CNES/NASDA

GLI
MERIS
MODIS
MOS
(IRS P3)
OCM
POLDER
SeaWiFS

Polarimetric radiometers

NASDA

INSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE

Ocean colour radiometers/Imaging spectrometers

POLDER is the first polarimeric radiometer to provide information on
the polarisation state of radiation reflected from the Earth whichenables better characterisation of the atmospheric contribution toreflectance at the top of the atmosphere and better retrieval of
information on aerosols, and surface and cloud parameters

Fishermen benefit from ocean colour
radiometer data which can be used tolocate potential fishing grounds

28

Ocean colour instruments provide information on
marine photosynthesis and productivity. The wide-areacoverage of these instruments is important for studying
ocean processes

SEAWIFS: http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEAWIFSPOLDER: http://hdsn.eoc.nasda.go.jp/guide/guide/satellite/sendata/polder_e

GLI: http://www.eorc.nasda.go.jp/ADEOS-II/GLI/gli

POLDER: http://earth-sciences.cnes.fr:8060/polder/Mission

29

Radar altimeters
APPLICATIONSD ESCRIPTIONAPPLICATIONS

R adar altimeters are non-imaging radar sensors which
use the ranging capability of radar to measure thesurface topographic profile parallel to the satellite
track. They provide precise measurements of asatellite’s height above the ocean and, if appropriately
designed, over land/ ice surfaces by measuring the timeinterval between the transmission and reception ofvery short electromagnetic pulses.

A variety of parameters may be inferred using theinformation from radar altimeter measurements.
These parameters include: time-varying sea surface
height (ocean topography), the lateral extent of sea ice
and the altitude of large icebergs above sea-level, andthe topography of land and ice sheets and even that of
the sea floor. Topographical maps of the structure of
the Arctic sea floor have not only revealed newmineral deposits, but they also provide new insights
into how a large part of the ocean basin was formedsome hundred million years ago.

Wind scatterometers use accurate measurements of theradar backscatter from the ocean surface whenilluminated by a microwave signal with a narrowspectral bandwidth to derive information on ocean
surface wind velocity. At a given angle to the flightpath of the satellite, the amount of backscatter depends
on two factors – the size of the surface ripples on theocean, and their orientation with respect to the
propagation direction of the pulse of radiationtransmitted by the scatterometer. The first isdependent on wind stress and hence wind speed at thesurface, while the second is related to wind direction.
Hence measurements by such scatterometers (whichusually combine observations from at least 3 antennae
with different look directions) may be used to deriveboth wind speed and direction.

Information from wind scatterometers provides aunique source of data on sea surface wind speed anddirection which has important applications inoperational weather forecasting and the investigation ofclimate models. There are numerous other applicationsof this data including the optimisation of ship routes,
measurement of sea ice extent and concentration, andemerging land surface applications – such as
monitoring of rain forests, snow conditions, tundra,
and deserts.

To date, most space-borne radar altimeters have been
wide-beam (pulse-limited) systems operating from low
Earth orbits. Such altimeters are useful for relatively
smooth surfaces such as oceans, but are ineffective overhigh relief continental terrain as a result of the large
radar footprint.
Successful exploitation of this height data is dependent
upon precise determination of the satellite’s orbit. A
number of precision radar altimetry ‘packages’ areavailable which contain:- a high precision radar altimeter (with basic
measurement accuracy in the range 2cm to 4cm);- a means of correction for errors induced in theheight measurements by variations in the amount ofwater vapour along the path (for example, by meansof a microwave atmospheric sounder orradiometer);

Satellite altimetry also provides information which
is of use in measuring the precise geoid, and inmapping the sea surface wind speed and significant
wave heights.
The new generation of current and future instruments
have a larger swath than past instruments enablingdata to be acquired more frequently. Future
instruments will also be configured to provide data innear real-time for incorporation into ocean circulation
and wave forecast models used to generate marine
information products.

AMI scatterometer
mode
ASCAT
Sea Winds

The ERS-1 scatterometer has been used to optimise trans-Atlantic
ship routing, steering ships clear of storms (in red above)

CNES

CNES

NASA

- a high precision orbit determination system(typically based on GPS, the DO R IS
beacon/ satellite receiver system and/ or a lidar
tracking system).

These instruments aim to achieve high accuracy
measurements of wind vectors (speed and direction)and resolution is of secondary importance (theygenerally produce wind maps with a resolution oforder 50km). Because these scatterometers operate at
microwave wavelengths, the measurements are available
irrespective of weather conditions.
Coverage from instruments currently in orbit islimited, however, since they have a single-sided field ofview. Data from the limited period of operation of thedual-sided swath instrument NSCAT on ADEO S(which failed in June 1997) is of great interest.
Coverage will be greatly improved in the future withthe flight of more dual-sided swath instruments.

INSTRUMENT
CATALOGUE

Deutsche Aerospace and MPI for Meteorology

ALT
POSEIDON/SSALTPOSEIDON/SSALT-2
RA
RA-2
Radar
altimeter

D ESCRIPTIONCNESINSTRUMENT
CATALOGUEWind scatterometers

30

Radar altimeters measure the distance between the satellite and thesea surface (E). The distance between the satellite and the reference
ellipsoid (S) is derived by using the Doppler effect associated withsignals emitted from marker points on the Earth’s surface as thesatellite orbits overhead. Variations in sea surface height (SS, ie S-E),
are caused by the combined effect of the geoid (G) and ocean
circulation (dynamic topography, DT)

TOPEX-POSEIDON data shows the elevation of thereference level of the ocean surface. Positive
anomalies correspond to areas of upwelling warm
water. These data assist in the prediction of El Nino
eventsSSALT: http://quest.arc.nasa.gov/topex/welcome

RA: http://services.esrin.esa.it

SSALT: http://topex-www.jpl.nasa.gov

RA: http://pooh.esrin.esa.it:8888/eeo/fr/eeo4.63/eeo4.64

POSEIDON: http://www-projet.cst.cnes.fr:8060/topex/Mission

Scatterometer data can measure the horizontal wind speed anddirection over sea surfaces. NSCAT data was used in September
1996 to monitor the size and movement of Typhoons Violet and Tom
in the western Pacific

AMI SCAT: http://pooh.esrin.esa.it:8888/eeo/fr/eeo4.63/eeo4.144

31

5 Future provision of data
5.1

INTROD UCTION

There are over 45 satellites currently in operation(annex A) which are providing important data about
the Earth and its environment, and helping us todevelop our understanding of the basic Earth Systemand of human influences on it. These data covermeasurements of a very wide range of geophysicalparameters which span the whole spectrum of theenvironment including atmosphere, land, oceans, andice and snow. This section considers some of the key
observations contributed by EO satellites, grouped into
the measurement categories indicated in the panel:
MEASUREMENT CATEGORIES

Atmosphere
Aerosols
Atmospheric humidity fields
Atmospheric temperature fields
Atmospheric winds
Cloud type, amount and cloud top temperature
Cloud particle properties and profile
Liquid water and precipitation rate
Ozone
Radiation budget
Trace gases (excluding ozone)
Land
Albedo and reflectanceLandscape topography
Soil moisture
Vegetation
Surface temperature (land)
Multi-purpose imagery (land)
Ocean
Ocean colour/biology
Ocean topography/currents
Sea surface winds
Surface temperature (sea)
Ocean wave height and spectrum
Multi-purpose imagery (sea)Snow and ice
Ice sheet topography
Snow cover, edge and depth
Sea ice cover, edge and thickness

32

The above 25 parameters are a convenient way ofgrouping and presenting the key measurements which
are important to users (CEO S Affiliates) and about
which space-based instruments are capable of, or are
likely to be capable of, providing information.
The reader that is interested in a more detailed
description of instrument measurement capabilities (forexample, relating to individual trace gases at different
heights in the atmosphere) is referred to the CEO S
database (see section 2 and annex A). O ver 175
distinct geophysical measurements are specified therein.
A number of the measurements specified in thisdocument are routinely provided by today’s satellites,
and future missions planned by CEO S agencies will
provide a further increase in data over the existing
suite of missions, providing new capabilities for Earthobservation - and with them a clearer understanding of
our environment.
This section identifies the space-based instruments
which primarily contribute data for any particularmeasurement requirement from the list above andindicates the potential means for continuity of thatdata provision over the next 15 years. In some cases,that continuity is provided by a single series of satellites
planned by one agency; in other cases, users requiringlong-term datasets or high volumes of data at any time
will need to look to various satellite missions plannedby different agencies world-wide. As such, a significant
degree of co-ordination in mission planning and data
provision is required between these data providers (andproviders of non space-based data) to ensure that a
reliable data source is guaranteed. Efficient andeffective deployment of observational resources are key
aims of the Integrated Global O bserving Strategy(IGO S) discussed in section 3.
Measurement continuity is a key requirement in many
areas, for example in providing confidence to sustain
public and commercial investment in operational
applications of EO data. It is also of paramountimportance for the generation of long term datasets
required for the global environmental programmes ofagencies such as the World MeteorologicalO rganisation (WMO ), the International Council of
Scientific Unions (ICSU), the Inter-governmental
O ceanographic Commissions (IO C), the United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and Foodand Agriculture O rganisation (FAO ) and O ffice ofO uter Space Affairs (UNO O SA).

33

1997 CEO S Yearbook

The programmes are major international, interagency
initiatives such as the Global Climate O bserving
System (GCO S), the Global O cean O bserving System(GO O S), the Global Terrestrial O bserving System(GTO S), the World Climate Research Programme(WCR P), and the International Geosphere-Biosphere
Programme (IGBP). These programmes and agencies
are known as CEO S Affiliates. CEO S Affiliates andMembers are playing a key role in the development ofan IGO S as described in section 3.
O utline descriptions of the environmental programmes
and agencies which are affiliated to CEO S are given
in annex D.

5.2

OVERVIEW

Current areas of strength of today’s Earth observation
satellites include:- Chemistry and dynamics of the stratosphere are
currently being provided by the NASA UAR S
mission and TO MS Earth probe, and by the
GO ME instrument onboard ESA’s ER S-2 mission.
- Atmospheric humidity and temperature profiles areroutinely provided for operational meteorology by
the NOAA polar orbiting satellites and by anumber of meteorological geostationary satellites(see below).
- Atmospheric winds (through cloud tracking), cloudamount and tropical precipitation estimates areprovided for most of the globe by the geostationary
meteorological satellite series Meteosat, GO ES,
GMS, INSAT and GO MS.
- Multi-purpose imagery for both land and sea isbeing collected by both high resolution optical andsynthetic aperture radar (SAR ) instruments for use
in environmental, public, and commercial
applications. O ptical sensors include AVHR R on
the NOAA polar orbiters and those on SPOT,
Landsat, Resource, and IR S series. SAR sensors
include those on the ER S series, R ADAR SAT and
JER S-1. Further future missions and increasing
spatial resolution will ensure improved datacollection and application opportunities.
- Sea surface temperature information is being
generated by data from existing meteorologicalsatellites and from instruments on the ER S series.
Future plans should provide continuity. Satellites are
now also making consistent and continuous
measurements of other important oceanographic

parameters such as ocean topography, ocean
currents, and sea surface winds - satellites providing
this information include the TO PEX/ PO SEIDO N
and ER S series.
- Sea ice and ice sheet extent are being measured bya range of missions and continuity is planned.
Future missions, with new types of instruments
employing a new generation of technology andtechniques, will enable Earth observation satellites tomake further contributions, including:- A significant increase in information about thechemistry and dynamics of the atmosphere,
including: long term global measurements ofconcentrations of ozone and many other trace andgreenhouse gases; information on the role of clouds
in climate change; the ability to better map cloud
cover and precipitation - including over the oceans;measurements of 3-D atmospheric winds in theabsence of clouds to track; global aerosol
distributions; and extended coverage of atmosphericmeasurements into the troposphere to allow
improved pollution monitoring. These capabilities
will be provided by a variety of novel instruments such as the Precipitation R adar (PR ) featured on
TR MM and the concept demonstrators for cloudand rain radars, and Doppler lidar instruments
proposed for future ESA, NASA and NASDA
missions.
- Global data on ocean biological parameters will
become available from the recently launched
SeaWiFS instrument. Lessons learnt interpretingthese data, and recent data from the period of
operations of the O CTS instrument on-board the
ADEO S mission, will set the scene for the analysis
of similar, higher resolution data from instruments
on board future NASA, ESA and NASDA missions.
- Improved repeat coverage of many oceanographic
measurements, plus new capabilities in measuring
ocean colour and biology as discussed above.

5.3

MEASUREMENT TIMELINES

For each measurement category listed in section 5.1, abrief discussion is given below of the significance ofthat measurement, together with an indication of thepresent and future measurement capabilities. This
description is supported by two timeline diagrams
scanning the period 1997-2012 indicating the
instruments contributing to that measurement and themissions on which they are expected to fly. The firsttimeline shows ‘firm/ approved’ missions, and thesecond shows missions which are not yet approved rather they are ‘proposed’.
Note that all missions, except those currently flying,
have a degree of uncertainty. The description of
missions as firm/ approved and proposed has been used
to indicate the current status, as reported by therelevant agencies at the time of compilation. If themonth of the launch of a planned mission has notbeen specified the timeline is shown to commence atthe beginning of the planned year of launch. Note alsothat missions currently operating beyond their planned
life are shown as operational until the end of 1997
unless an alternative date has been proposed.
The instrument timelines for ESA Future Missions, ie.
Earth Explorer and Earth Watch missions, refer tocandidate ESA missions following on from ENVISAT
in 2004. In this respect, it should be noted that new
instruments or derivatives of existing instruments may
be considered in addition to those specified in thetimelines.
The timelines in this section represent a qualitative
analysis of the provision of data from Earth observation
satellites in terms of a number of key geophysicalmeasurements and the requirement for thosemeasurements in different disciplines. Statements
regarding adequacy of measurements are generally withregard to global environmental/ climate change
programme requirements - as expressed by the CEO S
Affiliates (annex D).

- The potential for new information on global land
surface processes, through use of increased numberof spectral bands on future imaging sensors. Multidirectional and polarisational measurements from
instruments on missions such as Envisat, EO S-AM
and ADEO S-II will also provide new data forstudies of the Earth surface .

35

341997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Atmospheric humidity fields

A t m osphere

The concentration and distribution of aerosols, eg dustor sulphate particles, in the atmosphere is of greatsignificance for the study of the climate system. Indeed
the need for more information on them and theireffect is noted as one of the priority topics in the mostrecent Inter-disciplinary Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) scientific assessment. Their presence directly
affects the absorption and transmission of solar
radiation and hence alters the energy balance of the
Earth System. In addition, aerosols can act ascondensation nuclei around which clouds can form.
Clouds strongly affect the transmission of solar energy
and their distribution affects precipitation patterns.
Aerosols can be chemically active and they may play arole in creating or destroying other species, including
ozone, at higher altitudes.

Measuring the distribution of aerosols through thedepth of the atmosphere is technically difficult,particularly in the troposphere, and existing techniques
using instruments such as AVHR R and ATSR are
limited to producing estimates of vertically-integrated
total amounts, mainly over oceanic regions.
Measurements over land are difficult due to both
persistent cloud clover and to the high value, andvariability, of land surface reflectance. ATSR -2,
however, is able to provide more detailed information(particularly over land). MO DIS, MER IS, and MISR
will provide a good opportunity to obtain opticaldepth at different frequencies from which aerosol
particle sizes, predominantly over oceans, may beinferred. The new generation of multi-directional orpolarimetric instruments such as AATSR , MISR andEO SP will also provide more detailed information(again particularly over land), and the development ofactive instruments such as ATLID, and laser altimeter
sensors (including GLAS) should result in a much
improved measurement capability.

In order to understand the influence of aerosols on the
climate system, predictive models are being developed
which require data on aerosol distributions principally their number, concentration and size
distribution. Satellite-based sensing provides the only
practical way of potentially achieving global
measurements of these species.

Limb-sounding instruments such as ILAS,SCIAMACHY, GO MO S, HIR DLS and SAGE will
provide data principally on the upper troposphere andstratosphere with high vertical resolution but relatively
poor horizontal resolution (typically of order a few
hundred km).

Reliable information on aerosols is also required byapplications outside of the study of the climate system.
For example, accurate and timely warnings of thepresence of airborne dust and ash such as that arisingfrom desert dust clouds and volcanic eruptions isimportant to the aviation industry. This information isneeded both for safety and economies linked withflight planning (as aircraft have to be re-routed arounddanger areas).

Measurements of atmospheric humidity are needed formany applications. Humidity profiles are used together
with vertical temperature soundings, as inputs to
Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models - althoughhumidity data are not yet, in general, routinely assimilated
into these models. Accurate measurement of humidity
profiles is also vital to allow correction to be made for theeffect of atmospheric water vapour on the signals received
by a range of other EO sensors, in particular satellite
altimeters. A range of sensors (in-situ and space-based) areneeded in order to provide the required information determining the optimum way to combine these data is
still a research topic.
In terms of the Earth’s climate, water vapour is perhaps
the most important trace gas present in the atmosphere. It
strongly affects the transmission of infra-red radiation andthus contributes to the greenhouse effect, and its phasechanges lead to cloud formation and provides amechanism for the transfer of latent heat between theoceans and the atmosphere. Hence measurements of thevariability in time and space of relative humidity,
particularly in the upper troposphere, are crucially
important in understanding the climate system and in
detecting any possible future changes. Long-term
1997 1998

1999 2000

2001 2002 2003 2004

monitoring may also make use of humidity as a tracer ofatmospheric dynamics, providing insight into changes in
the large-scale circulation of the upper atmosphere.

A t m osphere

Aerosols

Although current sounders such as HIR S2/ MSU haveprovided useful measurements, time sampling is limited
and the vertical resolution of the soundings is often coarse.
The new generation of sounders, including the highresolution infra-red AIR S and IASI and microwave
sounders, capable of sounding through cloud, such as
AMSU-B and MHS, should provide greater resolution,and better all-weather operation, although temporal
resolution is likely to remain a problem with a lack ofadvanced instruments in geostationary orbits. Further into
the future, active instruments such as Differential
Absorption Lidars (DIAL) will offer further significant
improvements in accuracy and vertical resolution.
Atmospheric humidity fields are of primary importancefor the following IGOS projects: the Long Term
Continuity of Ozone Measurements project (between
500hPa and 10hPa); the Upper Air measurements project(profiles and total column); GODAE (as a correction toaltimeter measurements); the Global Observations ofForest Cover project (for correction of optical data); andthe Long Term Measurements of Ocean Biology project.
2005 2006 2007 20082009 20102011

174K on METEOR-3 N5

Aerosol data are of importance in the IGO S prototype
project on Long-Term Continuity of O zone
Measurements: spectral distributions are needed fromthe surface to the stratosphere and column opticaldepth is required. Such data are also needed forcorrections of optical data within the Global
O bservations of Forest Cover project.

TMR on TOPEX/POSEIDON
RM-0.8 on Ocean-01 N7
HALOE, MLS on UARSVISSR and VAS on GOES 7
IMAGER, SOUNDER on GOES 8-10, L, M
VISSR on GMS-4 & 5

1997 1998

AVHRR/2 on
NOAA 9-12 & 14

1999 2000 2001 2002

2003 2004

2005 2006 2007 2008

2009

2010

2011

MVIRI on METEOSAT 3-7
HIRS/2, MSU on
NOAA 9-12 & 14

AVHRR/3 on NOAA K-N & N'

SEVIRI on MSG series
HIRS/3, AMSU A & B
on NOAA K-M

HIRS/4, AMSU-A, MHS on NOAA N & N'

ATSR, ATSR-2,
AATSR, GOMOS, MIPAS, SCIAMACHY, MWR on ENVISAT-1
GOME on ERS-1 & 2

ATSR, ATSR-2 on ERS-1 AATSR, GOMOS, MERIS, MIPAS, SCIAMACHY on ENVISAT-1& 2, GOME on ERS-2

TRSR on CHAMPALISSA, MOMS-2P, MOS, Ozon-M on PRIRODA

AMSR, ILAS-II on ADEOS II

MOS on IRS-P3

IMAGER on MTSATMISR, MODIS on EOS-AM 1
IR Imager, UV-visible spectrometer on ODIN

RM-0.8 on SICH-1M
JMR on Jason-1

TRSR on CHAMP

JMR on Jason Follow-on

AIRS, AMSR-E, AMSU, HSB, MHS on EOS-PM-1

GLI, ILAS-II, POLDER on ADEOS II
MODIS on EOS-PM-1

GPS receiver on FedSat-1
HIRDLS, MLS, TES on EOS-CHEM-1

GLAS on EOS LAM-1
HIRDLS on EOS-CHEM 1

MIVZA, SAGE III on METEOR-3M N1 & N2
SAGE III on METEOR 3M N1 & N2

LIDAR on MDS-2

LIDAR on MDS-2

GRAS, GOME-2, IASI, MHS on METOP series
IMAGER on MTSAT-2

GOME-2 on METOP series

ATLID, MASTER, MHS, MWR, MIP
AS,
SOPRANO on ESA FUTURE MISSIONSALADIN, ATLID, MIPAS on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

36

37

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

A t m osphere

Data on atmospheric temperature are vital to a rangeof modelling processes associated with understanding
atmospheric circulation and for Numerical Weather
Prediction (NWP). Atmospheric temperature data areused for monitoring inter-annual global temperaturechanges, for identifying correlations between
atmospheric parameters and climatic behaviour, and tovalidate global models of the atmosphere. They may
also be used for computing the upper level windstructure (geostrophic winds) which, in turn, is a
useful aid in the prediction of strong winds at thesurface and warning of possible storm surges in the sea
level around coasts.
Temperature data are routinely analysed through theassimilation process – whereby data from satellites are
combined with in-situ observations are used together
to model predictions of temperature and associatedvariables. Current research is aimed at utilising multispectral radiances, rather than retrieved temperatures
profiles, in this assimilation process.

Atmospheric winds

Sounders such as MSU and HIR S routinely provide
profiles typically from a few km altitude to the top of
the atmosphere, with a horizontal resolution of 10100km and a temperature accuracy of a few degrees.
Such accuracies and resolutions are, however,insufficient for many climate requirements, and, aswith humidity sounding, global temporal resolution islimited. Infra-red sounders which currently offer thehighest accuracy and horizontal and vertical resolution
are restricted to clear skies operation, and hence
microwave instruments (MSU and its successors) willcontinue to be required to provide an all weather
capability. Ideally, a combination of microwave
sounders for all weather operation and IR sounders forhigh vertical resolution information is required, bothwith improved vertical resolution. Future sounders
such as the polar orbiting AMSU-A, AIR S, and IASI
are designed to meet such requirements.
Beyond this series of passive sounders, active
instruments such as DIAL will provide data ofsignificantly higher accuracy and vertical resolution.
Atmospheric temperature profile data are of primary
importance for the following IGO S projects: the Long
Term Continuity of O zone Measurements project; andthe Upper Air Measurements project.

1997

1998 1999 2000

2001 2002 2003 2004

2005 2006 20072008 20092010

Measurements of atmospheric winds are of primary
importance not only as inputs for weather forecastingmodels, but also in order to study global changes. In
the tropics and extra-tropics, imagery fromgeostationary satellites is used to infer winds from the
motion of clouds (assuming that there are clouds
which can be tracked). Away from the tropics, thegeostrophic component of the wind can be inferredfrom temperature data. Reliable wind observations in
the tropics are crucial as their inclusion in the NWP
assimilation process strongly affects the large scalefeatures of the tropical wind field. Accurate and timely
information on winds is central to, amongst otherthings, aviation flight planning and the prediction of
the dispersal of atmospheric pollutants.
At present, multi-channel visible and infra-red imagers
on geostationary platforms such as IMAGER , MVIR I,
VISSR and VAS, are used to measure cloud and water
vapour motion vectors from which tropospheric windestimates may be derived. O ther tracers, such as ozone,
may also be used to measure higher altitude winds.
This technique suffers, however, from low verticalIn the near future, geostationary measurements will becomplemented by instruments with greater resolution
and more channels such as SEVIR I. In the longer
term, laser instruments such as Doppler lidars offer thepromise of directly measuring clear air winds.
Although such active instruments will provide highaccuracy and vertical resolution, the coverage offeredby polar missions such as that planned for ALADIN is
likely to be limited. Sea surface wind measurements
are discussed later in this chapter.
Atmospheric winds are of primary importance in thefollowing IGO S projects: the Long Term Continuityof O zone Measurements project (between 500hPa and
10hPa); and the Upper Air Measurements project.

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

2011

2011

HRDI, WINDII on UARS

174-K on METEOR-3 N5
HALOE, HRDI, WINDII, MLS on UARSVISSR on GMS-4 & 5

SSU on NOAA 9, 11 & 14

VHRR on INSAT IIa, IIb & IIe

HIRS/2, MSU on
NOAA 9-12 & 14

resolution although this may be improved byincreasing the number of sampling channels.
Geostrophic winds may also be derived using verticaltemperature/ humidity profiles from infra-red sounders
such as HIR S and MSU. Future sounders (AIR S and
IASI) offer the prospect of improved vertical resolution
and accuracy.

A t m osphere

Atmospheric temperature fields

AMSU-A & B, HIRS/3 on
NOAA K-M

MVIRI on METEOSAT 3-7

AMSU-A, HIRS/4 on NOAA N & N'

SEVIRI on MSG SERIESVISSR and VAS on GOES 7

SOUNDER on GOES 8-10, L-M

IR imager, Radiometer on Odin

IMAGER on GOES 8-10, L, M

Multispectral visible & IR scanningradiometer (10 channel) on FY1C & FY1DBTVK on Electro-GOMS N1
Multispectral Visible & IR Scan
Radiometer (3 channel) on FY-2

GOMOS, MIP
AS, SCIAMACHY on ENVISA
T-1

Radiometer on Odin

TRSR on CHAMPAMSR on ADEOS II

ILAS-II on ADEOS IIIMAGER on MTSAT

AMSU, AIRS on EOS-PM-1
AMSR-E on EOS PM-1

GPS receiver on FedSat-1

HIRDLS on EOS-CHEM-1

MLS, HiRDLS on EOS-CHEM-1
BTVK on Electo-GOMS N2
IMAGER on MTSA
T-2

MTVZA, SAGE III on METEOR-3M N1 & N2
ALADIN on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

GRAS, IASI on METOP series
GRAS, MASTER, MIP
AS,
SOPRANO on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

38

39

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Cloud type, amount and cloud top temperature

Cloud types, cloud patterns and their evolution are
also among the best indicators of a wide range ofatmospheric processes and so are used in investigationsof climate change and for input to and validation ofnumerical weather and climate prediction models.
Forecasters, for example, rely heavily on satellite cloud
imagery in order to locate and track thunderstorms
and other significant cloud structures in order toprovide warnings to a range of users (aviation,
shipping, and the tourist trade, for example).

hydrology studies, for example to improve estimates of
run-off, to provide improve flood warnings and for
agricultural planning
At present, measurements of cloud type, amount and
top temperature are provided by the wide variety ofvisible, infra-red and microwave instruments in bothgeostationary and low Earth orbits. Reliableclassification of cloud type requires accurately
calibrated multi-spectral imagery. The measurements
currently provided by AVHR R , ATSR / ATSR -2 andimagery from geostationary satellites will be greatly
enhanced with the new generation of instruments suchas MO DIS, MER IS, EO SP and MISR , some of which
also benefit from multi-directional and polarisation
detection capabilities. Cloud height measurements will
also be enhanced with the near term introduction ofenhanced sounders (AIR S and IASI) and, in thelonger term, when active lidar instruments such as
ATLID become available.
Cloud type, amount and cloud top temperature data
are of primary importance for the IGO S Upper Air
Measurements project.

1997

1998 1999 2000

2001 2002 2003 2004

2005 2006

2007 2008 20092010 2011

A t m osphereA t m osphere

Better understanding of the role of clouds in climate
has been identified as one of the highest priorities forfurther research since the potential feedback effect ofclouds is a major source of uncertainty in predictionsof greenhouse warming (see, for example, the latest
assessment of the IPCC). The effects of clouds onradiative processes in the atmosphere is a key area inclimate research because of the opposing but very large
influences that clouds have on the short wave solar
radiation and the long wave terrestrial radiation: lowlevel cloud layers are important reflectors of solar
radiation; high level cirrus clouds trap escaping longwave radiation and lead to atmospheric warming (thegreenhouse effect). Measuring cloud properties isfundamentally difficult due to their extreme variability- data are therefore required with sufficient frequency
to sample both diurnal and synoptic variations.

RM-0.8 on Ocean-01 N7

MR-900, MR-2000 on METEOR-2 N24
MR-2000M & MR-900B on METEOR-3 N5
BTVK on Electro-GOMS N1

VISSR on GMS-4 & 5
VHRR on INSAT
IIa, IIb & IIe

CCD camera on INSAT IIe

MVIRI on METEOSAT 3-7

SEVIRI on MSG series

VISSR and VAS on GOES 7

IMAGER on GOES 8-10, L, M
AVHRR/3, AMSU A & B, HIRS/3
on NOAA K-M

AVHRR/2, HIRS/2 on
NOAA 9-12 & 14

AMSU-A, AVHRR/3, HIRS/4, MHS on NOAA N & N'

ATSR, ATSR-2 on ERS-1 AATSR, MERIS, SCIAMACHY on ENVISAT-1& 2, GOME on ERS-2
ALISSA, TV camera on PRIRODA
Multispectral Visible & IR Scan Radiometer(3 Channel) on FY-2
VIRS on TRMM
ASTER, MISR, MODIS on EOS-AM 1

Multispectral Visible & IR Scan Radiometer(10 channel) on FY-1C and FY-1D
IMAGER on MTSAT

Cloud top temperatures, difficult to measure using
traditional observing techniques, are used indirectly in
conjunction with measurements of cloud thickness todetect precipitation, information which complementsthat available from ground-based weather radars.
Enhanced precipitation information may be used in

GLI, POLDER on ADEOS II

RM-0.8 on SICH-1M
AIRS, AMSU, MODIS on EOS PM-1
GLAS on EOS-LAM-1

HIRDLS on EOS CHEM series

MR-900M on Resource 01 N4
Klimat, MR-2000M, MR-900M MIVZA, MSR
MIVZA on METEOR-3M N1
on METEOR-3M N2BTVK on Electo-GOMS N2

GOME-2, IASI, MHS on METOP series
IMAGER on MTSAT-2

ALADIN, ATLID, Cloud radar, GRAS, MASTER, MHS, MIP
AS,
SOPRANO on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

40

41

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

The main source of information currently available isan AVHR R -derived product obtainable through
ISCCP (the International Satellite Cloud Climatology
Project). This product contains relatively crude
information on water cloud particle size. ATSR -2 isalso able to make this type of measurement. As
discussed above, in the slightly longer term, microwave
radiometers such as AMSR will provide some cloudphase information. Additional phase information will
also be available from polarimetric radiometers such as
EO SP. However, the users’ requirements are unlikely
to be met until data from active microwave
instruments such as ATLID or cloud radars become
available.

Full 3-D observations of cloud structure are at very
early stages of development, with several more years
before sensors are in orbit that will go some way tomeeting users’ requirements. In the nearer term, basic
information of the structure of clouds (iedetermination of whether water or ice particles arepresent) can be obtained from future microwave
instruments such as AMSR . These measurements areimportant for climate purposes as the structure ofclouds (particle size and phase) greatly affects their
optical properties and hence their albedo.

A t m osphere

Liquid water and precipitation rate

Together with cloud top temperatures (see previous
sub section), information on the 3-D structure ofclouds (currently obtained from aircraft-based sensors)
can be used as a basic tool for the real timesurveillance of features such as thunderstorms. Study ofthese parameters through the life cycle of a storm
allows researchers to develop useful short term
forecasting criteria

Cloud particle properties and profile data are ofprimary importance for the following IGO S projects:
the Long Term Continuity of O zone Measurements
project (particularly Polar Stratospheric Clouds); andthe Upper Air Measurements project.

Water forms one of the most important constituents ofthe Earth’s atmosphere and is essential for humanexistence. It strongly affects the climate of the Earth byproviding a sink of heat energy in some locations(through evaporation and melting), and a source inothers (through condensation) thus significantly
changing the manner in which solar energy isredistributed across the planet. A better understandingof the current distribution of precipitation and of how
it might be affected by global change is vital - withaccurate predictions of likely regional drought or
flooding being of high priority. The most recent IPCC
assessment notes that systematic collection of
information on the hydrological cycle is of key
importance. Tropical rainfall comprises more than
two-thirds of global rainfall and is therefore ofparticular interest. Satellite remote sensing is probably
the only way to provide global data because of thesparsity of ground based measurements, especially overremote land regions and oceans.
Information on liquid water and precipitation rateis used for initialising numerical weather prediction
models, and on a local scale, for timely planning andresponse. For example, information on precipitation
is used in agricultural applications and near real-time
information is vital for water resource managementfor drought alert and to manage river flow.

1997 1998

1997 1998

1999 2000

2001 2002 2003 2004

2005 2006 2007 2008

2009

2010

1999 2000 2001 2002

A large number of instruments are available which
contribute to estimates of liquid water and precipitation
rate, although at present there is a lack of instruments
capable of making direct measurements. Visible/ IR
imagers on geostationary meteorological satellites
provide indirect but frequent measurements of rainfall
from measurements of cloud-top temperature, and some
information will be obtainable from microwave imaging
sensors such as AMSR (although measurements over ice
are difficult).

A t m osphere

Cloud particle properties and profile

A significant breakthrough will come with the launchof active instruments which are capable of 3-D
measurements of precipitation. TR MM includes suchan instrument and will provide data principally over thetropics. Although this region is of particular interest,
there is likely to remain a requirement for coverageof polar regions at high spatial resolution.
Given the very high temporal and spatial variability of
precipitation it is a fundamentally difficult parameter tomeasure. All remote sensing techniques require highquality ground truth data for calibration purposes. Indeed
it is likely that for the foreseeable future, the best datasets
will comprise data from many different sources (satellites,
in-situ and models) – such as is underway in the Global
Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP).

2003 2004 2005 2006

2007 2008 2009

2010

2011

RM-0.8 on Ocean-01 N7

2011

Multispectral Visible & TR Scan Radiometer (3 channel) on FY-2
MR-900, MR-2000 on METEOR-2 N24
MR-900B, MR-2000M on METEOR-3 N5

VHRR on INSAT IIa, IIb & IIe

RM-0.8 on Ocean-01

MVIRI on METEOSAT 3-7

SEVIRI on MSG series

ALISSA on PRIRODA

VISSR and VAS on GOES 7
AMSU-A, AMSU-B on NOAA K-M

AMSU-A, MHS on NOAA N & N'

IMAGER on GOES 8,9,K-M
MODIS on EOS-AM 1

VISSR on GMS-4 & 5
MERIS on ENVISAT-1

BTVK on Electro-GOMS N1
AMSR, POLDER on ADEOS II

MSU, AVHRR/2
on NOAA 9-12, 14

AVHRR/3, AMSU-A & B on NOAA K-MAMSU-A, AVHRR/3, MHS on NOAA N & N'

IMAGER on MTSAT

ATSR, ATSR-2 on ERS-1 & 2 AATSR on ENVISAT-1
RM-0.8 on SICH-1M

IKAR-N & P, R-400 on PRIRODA
AMSR-E, AMSU, HSB, MODIS on EOS-PM-1

PR, TMI on TRMM

GPS receiver on FedSat-1

AMSR, POLDER on ADEOS II
RM-0.8 on SICH-1M

MR-900M on Resource-01 N4

AMSR-E, AMSU on EOS-PM-1
MR-2000M, MR-900M on METEOR-3M N1MIVZA on
METEOR-3M N1 & N2

LIDAR on MDS-2

BVTK on Electro-GOMS N2

MHS on METOP series

LIDAR on MDS-2
IMAGER on MTSAT-2

MHS on METOP series
ATLID, Cloud radar, MHS on ESA FUTURE MISSONS

MHS, Rain radar on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

42

43

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Radiation budget

A t m osphereO zone is present in many layers of the atmosphere.
The importance of the stratospheric ozone layer inshielding the Earth from incoming UV radiation has
long been recognised. More recently, an increase ofozone in the troposphere has been thought tocontribute to the greenhouse effect and is of concern
due to its pollutant effects.
Man-made chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons(CFCs) rising into the stratosphere act to destroy the
Earth’s protective ozone layer through a series ofcomplex chemical reactions. Despite international
agreements to reduce CFC emissions (establishedthrough the Montreal Protocol to the Vienna
Convention), ozone depletion remains one of the mostcritical global environmental problems facing humankind today. The level of ozone varies seasonally, and inorder to understand, model and predict the processes
behind these seasonal fluctuations, satellite EO data
can be used to create a database of measurements. The
ozone hole has already been successfully monitored
using satellite-based instruments, with an important
contribution to understanding coming from the totalozone observations made by the TO MS instrument on
Nimbus-7 and SBUV on the NOAA polar orbiters.
GO ME on ER S-2 also provides profiles ofstratospheric ozone.

High resolution stratospheric ozone profiles have also
been measured by instruments such as MLS, HALO E
and SAGE II. In future, measurements from microwave
imaging sensors such as AMSR and from various ESA(notably GO MO S) and EO S instruments will become
available. Tropospheric ozone profile measurements
will also improve with measurements fromSCIAMACHY. MIPAS and HIR DLS will observe theupper troposphere and above. In the longer term,
profiles from the Earth’s surface (a region of theatmosphere not covered at present) will be provided by
TES. Future sounders such as IASI and AIR S will also
provide useful information on total ozone
observations.
In addition to the IGO S Long Term Continuity ofO zone Measurements project, ozone data are ofimportance for the IGO S Upper Air Measurements
project and the Global O bservation of Forest Coverproject (for correction of optical data).

Satellite measurements offer a unique means of assessing
the Earth’s radiation budget (ER B). The goal of suchmeasurements is to determine the amount of energy
emitted and reflected by the Earth. This is necessary tounderstand the processes by which the atmosphere,
land and oceans transfer energy to achieve global
radiative equilibrium, which in turn is necessary tosimulate and predict climate. Measurements of thegeographical distribution of the radiation budget, forexample, reveal the energy exchanges between the
different regions of the globe by oceanic currents andatmospheric circulation and may be used for validationof general circulation models. Combining informationfrom radiation budget measurements with those fromalbedo measurements over the poles gives information
on factors influencing the extent of the polar ice packs,
which may be used to monitor and assess the effects ofglobal warming. Systematic observations of the Earth
System energy balance components are noted by themost recent IPCC scientific assessment as being of key
importance in narrowing the uncertainties associatedwith the climate system.

In general, three types of measurement are currently
possible: the short-wave and long-wave radiationbudget at the top of the Earth’s atmosphere; the shortwave radiation budget at the Earth’s surface; and thetotal incoming broad-band radiation flux.
Measurements are also needed of the surface long-wave
budget but the best means of meeting theserequirements is currently a research topic. It is notpossible to measure directly, at a global scale, theradiative imbalance deemed to lead to global warming(as this would require a measurement accuracy greaterthan 1 Wm-2 which is unlikely to be possible). Ideally,
for all measurements, the radiometers should be capableof sampling diurnal fluctuations, and have a directional
measurement capability. Sensors such as ER BE andScaR aB have been the principal source ofmeasurements, although information can also be
obtained from the narrow-band HIR S and AVHR R
instruments. In the near future, measurement capability
will be enhanced by the CER ES sensors on the EOS
series and TR MM (POLDER on ADEOS also
provided useful information for a limited period oftime). The broad-band radiometer planned for flight on
MSG (GER B) will allow “perfect” temporal samplingwith a radically different viewing geometry tocomplement the information available from polar
orbiting satellites.

In addition to these continuous global measurements of
the radiation budget which are necessary both toestimate any long term climatic trends and shorter term
variations overlying these trends, measurements on aregional scale are useful to understand better the
dynamics of certain events or phenomena and to assess
the effect of climate change for example on agriculture
and urban areas.

The amount of Photosynthetically Active R adiation
reaching the surface of the Earth is of primary
importance for the following IGOS projects: the Long
Term Measurements of Ocean Biology project; and the
Global Observations of Forest Cover project.

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 20101997 1998 1999 2000

2001 2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

2007 2008 2009 2010

SSU on NOAA-9, 11 & 14
ERBE on NOAA 9, 10
AVHRR/2, HIRS/2 on NOAAAVHRR/3, HIRS/3 on NOAA K-M
9-12 & 14 SBUV/2 on
SBU V/2 on NOAA L, M
NOAA 9, 11, 14, L, M

174-K, SFM-2, TOMS on METEOR-3 N5GOME on ERS-2

2011

ACRIM II, PEM, SOLSTICE, SUSIM on UARS2011

HALOE, MLS on UARSHIRS/2, SBUV/2 on
NOAA 9-12 & 14

A t m osphere

Ozone

AVHRR/3, HIRS/4, SBUV/2
on NOAA N & N'

HIRS/3 on NOAA K-M
SBUV/2 on NOAA L, M

AVHRR/3, SUBV/2, HIRS/4 on NOAA N & N'

ISTOK-1 on PRIRODAGOMOS, MIPAS, SCIAMACHY on ENVISAT-1

CERES, VIRS on TRMM

Ozon-M on PRIRODA

CERES on EOS-AM-1

TOMS on TOMS Earth Probe

ScaRaB on ENVISAT 1

IR imager, Radiometer,
UV-visible spectrometer on ODINACRIM on ACRIMSAT

ILAS-II on ADEOS IIIMAGER on MTSATSEVIRI on MSG series

POLDER on ADEOS II

AIRS on EOS-PM-1

GERB on MSG series
AIRS, AMSR-E on EOS-PM-1

HiRDLS, MLS, TES, Ozone instrument (TBD) on EOS-CHEM-1

SAGE III, SFM-2 on METEOR-3M N1 & N2, TOMS on METEOR-3M N2

ISP-2M on Resource 01 N4

SFM-2 on Resource-01 N4

KGI-4C, MSGI-SE1
on METEOR-3M N1

GOME-2, IASI on METOP series

KGI-4, MSG 1-5, ScaRabon METEOR-3M N2
GOME-2 on METOP 1, 2

COALA, MASTER, MIP
AS, SCIAMACHY, SORPANO
on ESA FUTURE MISSIONSIMAGER on MTSAT-2

44

45

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

A t m osphere

The presence of trace gases in the atmosphere can havea significant effect on global change as well as
potentially harmful local effects through increased
levels of pollution. Trace gases other than ozone may
be divided into one of three categories: greenhousegases affecting climate change; chemically aggressive
gases affecting the environment (including thebiosphere); and gases and radicals impacting on theozone cycle, thus affecting both climate andenvironment.
The chemical composition of the troposphere inparticular is changing at an unprecedented rate - therate at which pollutants from human activities are
input to the troposphere is now thought to exceed thatfrom natural sources (such as volcanic eruptions) and is
known (through measurements) to be greater than theatmosphere’s natural capacity for their removal. EO
measurements offer a unique source of global data on
atmospheric concentrations of trace gases and havealready made an important contribution to therecognition that human activities are modifying thechemical composition of both the stratosphere and thetroposphere, even in remote regions. It is recognisedthat measurement of trace gases is vital both tomonitor changes in the composition of the various
layers in the atmosphere and to deduce the effects ofthese changes on the global climate. The selection of
species which need to be monitored on a routine basis
is still the subject of research.

Albedo and reflectance

A variety of instruments is available to provide
measurements on the concentration of trace gases. In
general, high spectral resolution is required to detectabsorption/ emission/ scattering from individual species.
Some instruments offer measurements of column
totals, ie integrated column measurements, whilst
others provide profiles of gas concentration throughthe atmosphere. Tropospheric profiling is in generaldifficult, but in the upper troposphere and stratosphere
it is possible to use limb measurements to obtain highvertical resolution (but with relatively poor horizontal
resolution). To date, instruments on UAR S haveprovided the main source of this type of data (withuseful data for a limited period from instruments onboard ADEO S). In the future, measurements should
improve as instruments on ADEO S II, Envisat and theEO S series, such as TES and SCIAMACHY, become
available to provide profiles of a number of trace gases
through the stratosphere and troposphere. MIPAS andHiR DLS will profile the upper troposphere and above.
Trace gas data are of primary importance for the IGO S
project on Long Term Continuity of O zone
Measurements project. In particular the spectral
distribution of BrO, ClO, NO 2, N 2O, HF, HCl andCH 4 is needed at altitudes above 100hPa; the spectral
distribution of NO 2 is also needed down to altitudes as
low as 1000hPa; and ground based column data areneeded for NO 2, HF, HCL and CH 4.

Q uantitative measurements of albedo (the fraction of
total solar radiation incident on a body that is reflectedby it) are essential for climate research studies andinvestigations of the Earth’s energy budget. Albedo andreflectance(the fraction of solar radiation incident on abody that is reflected by it, at a given wavelength) aresignificant drivers in the radiation budget, with about
30% of the sun’s radiant energy incident on the Earthbeing reflected back into Space. Although most of thereflected signal is due to clouds, surface reflectance canhave a significant impact on the distribution ofabsorbed solar radiation. In order to understand theprocesses occurring and to identify the effects ofchanges in albedo resulting from, for example, achange in land use, it is vital to establish long term
datasets describing albedo and reflectance.
It is actually Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution
Functions (BR DF) which are intrinsic to a particularsurface. The albedo is a derived quantity that depends
on, amongst other things, the anisotropy of the surface
and the solar position. Detailed insitu experiments arestill required to enable adequate parameterisation of
surface reflectance properties such as albedo and toprovide high quality ground truth data. Reliable mapsof surface albedo depend on a better understanding of
the BR DF of different surfaces and more accurate

1997 1998 1999 2000

2001 2002

aerosol data (see sub section on Aerosols) to enable
atmospheric effects to be corrected when measuring
surface reflectance properties.

Land

Trace gases (excluding ozone)

Measurements of reflectance may also be used formonitoring the sensitivity of satellite radiometers:routine surveys of radiance measurements over selected
targets of high albedo in clear sky regions allows thedetection of a decrease in radiometer sensitivity, andpermits inter-calibration of different instruments.
Current measurements of albedo and reflectance are
obtained primarily using multi-spectral imagers such as
AVHR R and ATSR / ATSR -2, and sensors on SPOT
and Landsat. Geostationary sensors can also contributeinformation. However, more work is required on
algorithms to extract global information on surface
albedo. Future measurements using multi-directional
radiometers such as MISR and AATSR , andpolarimetric radiometers such as PO LDER will allow
the measurement of the directional nature of surface
reflectance leading to better estimates of albedo.
The amount of Photosynthetically Active R adiation
reaching the surface of the Earth is of primary
importance for the IGO S Global O bservations ofForest Cover project.

2003 2004 2005 2006

2007 2008 2009

2010

2011

MSU derivatives on Russian and Ukranian missions

1997 1998 1999 2000

2001 2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

2007 2008 2009

2010

2011

ETM on LANDSAT 7

TM on LANDSAT 5

HALOE, HRDI, MLS on UARS

OPS on JERS1TOMS on METEOR-3 N5

AVHRR/2 on NOAA 9-12 & 14, AVHRR/3 on NOAA K-N & N'

SBUV/2 on NOAA 9, 11, 14, L-M, N & N'

HRV onSPOT 1-2

GOME on ERS-2

ATSR, ATSR-2 on ERS-1 & 2 AATSR, MERIS on ENVISAT-1

GOMOS, MIPAS, SCIAMACHY on ENVISAT-1

HRVIR, VEGETATION on SPOT 4TOMS on TOMS Earth Probe

VHRR on INSAT IIa, IIb, IIe

DOPI, MOS, Ozon-M on PRIRODA

WiFS on IRS-1c, 1d & P3

MOS on IRS P3

ISTOK-1 on PRIRODA

HRG, VEGETATION on SPOT 5 series

ASTER, MISR, MODIS on EOS-AM 1

MOPITT on EOS-AM 1

IR Imager, UV-visable
spectrometer on ODIN

UV-visible spectrometer, Radiometer on ODINTRSR on CHAMP

GLI, POLDER on ADEOS IIIMAGER on MTSATILAS-II on ADEOS IISEVIRI on MSG series

HiRDLS, MLS, TES, 'Ozone instrument' (TBD) on EOS-CHEM-1

MODIS on EOS-PM-1
SAGE III on
SAGE III,TOMS on METEOR-3M N2METEOR-3M N1

MSR on METEOR-3M N2

GOME-2, IASI on METOP series

AWiFS on IRS P6
IMAGER on MTSA
T-2

SOPRANO, MASTER, MIP
AS on ESA FUTURE MISSIONSAVNIR-2 on ALOS

46

47

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Soil moisture

Many modelling activities in Earth and environmental
sciences, telecommunications and civil engineering
increasingly require accurate, high resolution andcomprehensive topographical databases with, where
relevant, indication of changes over time. Satellite
techniques offer a unique, cost-effective andcomprehensive source of such data.

to detect landslides, earthquake displacements, andurban subsidence. In addition to local mapping, a
global database of medium resolution data is being
created for use in studying the flexure and rigidity of
the Earth’s crust, large scale crustal magnetic andgravity anomalies, and the nature of island arcs andbasins.

To date, EO has allowed localised high resolution
mapping of certain regions. This information has been
used, amongst others, by land-use planners for civil
planning and development; by those who analyse
remote sensing data (to compensate for local terrain
effects on the signals received from other sensors); andby hydrologists to predict the drainage of water andwhere floods are likely, to observe if erosion is
occurring, and to understand how vegetation receives
water. In coastal areas, topographic information may
be used to detect small changes in the slope of thecoast which may determine whether or notcommunities may be susceptible to flooding. Very
accurate measurements of the geometry of volcanoes(using interferometric techniques) may be used to
predict eruption and potentially avoid loss of life andproperty. Interferometric techniques may also be used

At present, information on landscape topography is
obtained primarily from multi-band optical imagers
and SAR instruments. Good results have beenobtained from stereo optical instruments and SAR s
which have a stereo image capability. The pointing
capability of SPOT, for example, allows the productionof stereo images from data gathered on different orbits
which are then used to create digital elevation maps
which give a more accurate depiction of terrain. SAR s
can also be used in interferometric mode to detectvery small changes in topography. Future sensors such
as ASTER will create stereo images from data gathered
on a single orbit and will have improved resolution.
Unlike present radar altimeters, which allow only forcoarse topography mapping over land, future laser
altimeters such as GLAS will give very precise height
information, although their coverage will be limited.

1997 1998 1999 2000

2001 2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

2007 2008 20092010

Soil moisture plays a key role in the hydrological cycle.
Evaporation rates, surface runoff, infiltration andpercolation to the water table are all affected by thelevel of moisture in the soil. It is therefore one of the
key surface parameters in agriculture, hydrology andclimatology, and in order to understand better the roleof this parameter there is an urgent need formeasurements of soil moisture. Such an understanding
would enable models to be developed to forecast soil
moisture and to simulate run-off. Potential applications
include crop yield predictions including identificationof potential famine areas, irrigation management, andmonitoring of areas subject to erosion anddesertification, and for the initialisation of NWP
models. The development of a large regional database
will also provide a baseline set of values against which
long-term climatic measurements may be compared.
Direct measurement of soil moisture from space isdifficult. The ideal instrument would appear to be thepassive microwave radiometer, although some successhas been achieved using radar – despite thecomplications of analysing the signals reflected fromthe ground. Passive microwave sensors can also be used
to infer information based upon surface microwave
emissions, although the signal is very small. Reliabledata (high signal to noise ratio) need to be taken over alarge area - which introduces the problem ofunderstanding how to interpret the satellite signal since

it consists of reflected radiation from many different
soil types. For both active and passive sensors, themicrowave signal is related to the soil moisture in the
top few centimetres of soil for practical frequencies(for example, 1.4GHz), except under very dry
conditions.

Land

Land

Landscape topography

SAR data currently provide the main source of
information on near-surface soil moisture to a depth of
5cm (but only in the absence of dense overlying
vegetation). To date, the use of this information has
been limited to tasks such as distinguishing between
irrigated and non-irrigated fields. Determination ofsoil moisture from space is an active area of researchand information has indirectly been obtained fromother satellite observations, including visible/ infra-red
measurements such as those from AVHR R of land
surface temperature and vegetation condition. Some
data will also be able to be derived from passive
microwave instruments such as AMSR and there has
been some success in deriving large scalemeasurements from wind scatterometer data.
No timeline summary of specific contributing
instruments is offered here. R ather the reader isreferred to sections on land surface temperature andvegetation measurements and to the sections on
imaging radars and microwave radiometers – all ofwhich are of relevance.

2011

SAR on JERS 1

HRG on SPOT 5 series

HRV onHRVIR on SPOT-4
SPOT-1 & 2
AMI-SAR, RA
on ERS-1 & 2

ASAR, RA-2 on ENVISAT-1

MOMS-2P, Travers SAR on PRIRODAPAN on IRS-1c & 1d

SAR on RADARSATMSMR on IRS P4 (OCEANSAT-1)
ASTER on EOS-AM 1

VCL instrument on ESSP-1A (VCL)

GLAS on EOS LAM-1

HR PAN on IRS-P5

LightSAR instrument on LightSAR
SAR on RADARSAT-2

AVNIR-2, PALSAR, PRISM (NASDA) on ALOS
Laser altimeter, Radar altimeter, SAR on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

49

48

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Land

Changes in land cover are important sources of global
environmental change and have implications forecosystems, biogeochemical fluxes and the global
climate. Land cover change affects climate through arange of factors from albedo (desertification, forexample, results in changes in albedo which itself alters
rainfall distribution) through to emissions ofgreenhouse gases from the burning of biomass. As aresult, quantitative information on the extent and rates
of change in this cover is vital for global climate
research. Used in conjunction with other data, theconstruction of a global index of vegetation would alsoenable investigation of the effects of changes invegetation on hydrology, and of the causes ofvariations in land productivity.
The involvement of vegetation in the carbon cycle isof key importance, and measurements of vegetation
offer a means of monitoring the uptake of CO 2 fromthe atmosphere which in turn may contribute to abetter understanding of the part vegetation plays inmodifying the effects of man-made CO 2. However,
the measurement requirements necessary for studying
the role of vegetation in the carbon cycle, in terms ofspatial, spectral and temporal resolution are, in general,
only likely to be met by in-situ measuring techniques.
Another major application of vegetation data is in
agriculture. Satellite EO imagery provides information
which can be used to monitor quotas and to examine
and assess crop characteristics and planting practice information on crop condition, for example, may also
be used for irrigation management. In addition, data
may be used to generate yield forecasts which in turn
may be used to optimise the planning of storage,transport and processing facilities. Classification andseasonal monitoring of vegetation types on a global
basis allows the modelling of primary production - thegrowth of vegetation that is the base of the food chain- which is of great value in monitoring global foodsecurity.

There is also significant potential for the use of EO
data on vegetation in forestry. Deforestation is ofwidespread concern to ecologists and its impact is not
yet fully understood. Forest monitoring using satellite
imagery has become an increasingly important tool forinvestigating and controlling the exploitation of forest
land, especially in the tropical rain forest regions wherelarge areas of trees have disappeared. In rain forest areas
which are frequently covered with clouds, the allweather day/ night capability of SAR has been
particularly useful.
There is a large number of medium-to-high resolution
multi-spectral imagers that may be used to provide
data on vegetation type. AVHR R , for example,
provides routine data that have been used to derive
vegetation indices. In the future, SEVIR I will offer asimilar capability, and the purpose-designed
VEGETATIO N instrument should offer improved
spectral resolution and hence categorisation capability.
Higher spatial and spectral resolution information will
be obtained from the ESA PR ISM mission and fromimaging radars such as SAR , although the global
coverage and temporal resolution offered by current
and planned radar sensors is limited.
Data on vegetation is of primary importance to the
IGO S Global O bservations of Forest Cover project(eg land cover data, forest biomass data and leaf areaindex data).

1997 1998 1999 2000

2001 2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

2007 2008 2009

2010

Land

Vegetation
2011

OPS, SAR on JERS-1
ETM+ on LANDSAT 7

MSS, TM on
LANDSAT 5

LISS I on IRS 1a & 1b
LISS II on IRS 1a, 1b and P2
LISS III, WiFS
on IRS 1c & 1d
HRV onSPOT 1-2

MOS, WiFS on
IRS P3

HRVIR, VEGETATION on SPOT 4

HRG, VEGETATION on SPOT 5 series

AMI-SAR on ERS-1
AATSR, ASAR, MERIS on ENVISAT-1
ATSR-2, AMI-SAR on ERS-2
AVHRR/2 on
NOAA 9-12 & 14

AVHRR/3 on NOAA K-N & N'

MOS, MOMS-2P on PRIRODASAR on RADARSAT

CCD camera on INSAT IIe
MSMR on IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT-1)

ASTER, MISR, MODIS on EOS AM-1

IIS camera on CBERS 1 & 2Multispectral visible
IR scanning radiometeron FY-1C

Multispectral visible
IR scanning radiometeron FY-1D

GIS, MS, WIS on NMP EO-1

GLI on ADEOS II

VCL instrument on ESSP-1A (VCL)
Imaging spectrometer, Panchromatic sensor on ARIES-1

SEVIRI on MSG series

MODIS on EOS-PM-1
OBA on MECB SSR-1 & 2

LISS IV on
IRS P5 (CARTOSAT-1)

LISS III, LISS IV,
AWiFS on IRS P6 (RESOURCESAT-1)

SAR on RADARSAT-2

AVNIR-2, PALSAR on ALOS

PRISM (ESA), SAR on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

50

51

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Multi-purpose imagery (land)Land

O n a global scale, data on land surface temperature areused in conjunction with measurements of albedo as
an input to climate change models. In conjunction
with information on rainfall, measurements of land
surface temperature may be used to derive evaporation
rates which are used in investigating the water budget.
In parallel with multi-purpose land imagery, surface
temperatures may be used to deduce vegetation types.
Land surface temperature may be used to validate thesurface physics elements of NWP models.
Measurements of surface temperature patterns may also
be used in studies of plate tectonics to indicate areas ofactivity, for example along fault lines, and to monitor
particular volcanic regions. Forest fire detection andresource exploration are two further applications.
O n a local scale, surface temperature imagery may be
used to refine techniques for predicting ground frost
and to determine the warming effect of urban areas(urban heat islands) on night-time temperatures. In
agriculture, temperature information may be used,
together with models, to optimise planting times andto provide timely warnings of frosts.

1997 1998 1999

2000 2001 2002

Temperature measurements are at present provided
using the thermal infra-red channel of medium/ highresolution multi-spectral imagers in low Earth orbit. In
addition, visible/ infra-red imagers on geostationary
satellites also provide useful information (with theadvantage of very high temporal resolution). However,difficulties remain in converting the apparent
temperatures as measured by these instruments into
actual surface temperatures - variations due toatmospheric effects, and vegetation cover, for example,
require compensation using additional
imagery/ information. The temporal and, in particular,
the spatial resolutions offered by the current generationof sensors are poor and will be improved with theadvent of new sensors such as ASTER and PR ISM.
The next generation of sounding instruments on board
polar-orbiting platforms will also provide improved
data.
The IGO S Global O bservations of Forest Coverproject requires measurements of land surface
temperature in order to provide information on Fire
Scar extent.

2003 2004 2005 2006

2007 2008 2009

2010

2011

MSU-SK on Resource-01 N3

MSS, TM on
LANDSAT 5

AATSR on ENVISAT-1

ETM+ on LANDSAT 7

AVHRR/2, HIRS/2
on NOAA 9-12 & 14

AVHRR/3, HIRS/3 on NOAA K-M

The spatial information which can be derived fromsatellite imagery is of value in a wide range ofapplications – particularly when combined with
spectral information from multiple bands of a sensor.
Satellite Earth observation is of particular value whereconventional data collection techniques are difficult,such as in areas of inaccessible terrain, and can provide
cost and time savings in data acquisition – particularly
over large areas.
At regional and global scales, low resolution
instruments with wide coverage capability - such as
AVHR R , ATSR -2, and imaging sensors on
geostationary satellites, are routinely exploited fortheir ability to provide global scale data on land coverand vegetation. Land cover change detection is an
important source of global environmental change
and has profound implications for ecosystems,
biogeochemical fluxes and climate. Land cover change
affects climate through a range of factors from albedo,
through to emissions both of trace greenhouse gases
such as methane and of particulates to the atmosphereresulting from biomass burning. Wide coverage land
imagery is of value in many other areas, such as
monitoring and mapping severe flooding events,
forest fire detection in remote areas, volcano hazard
alerting, drought watch and food security programmes.
O n national and local scales, the higher spatial
resolution requirements for information mean thathigh resolution imaging sensors, such as on Spotand Landsat, and imaging radars, such as on JER S-1
and ER S-1, are most useful. Such sensors can be(and routinely are) used as practical sources of
information for:

VHRR on INSAT IIa, IIb & IIe

ATSR, ATSR-2
on ERS-1 & 2

The measurements listed above do not alone provide a
sufficiently wide or representative picture of thepossible contributions from Earth observation satellites
in relation to observations of land.

AVHRR/3, HIRS/4 on NOAA N & N'

- agriculture: monitoring, production forecasting,and management;

Land

Surface temperature (land)- resource exploration and management: for example,
in forestry, and in mineral deposits;- geological surveying: identifying geologicalstructures and sub-surface geometry (whencombined with geophysical survey data), for
identifying minerals, water and gas and oil deposits;- hydrological applications: such as flood monitoringand environmental impact assessments for water
diversion schemes;- civil mapping and planning: for cartography,
infrastructure and urban management etc;
- coastal zone management: monitoring erosion anddeposition.
High resolution imagery can also be used for land
cover classification and change detection on a
local/ national level.
An increasing number of missions providing multipurpose land imagery (such as those of the USA,France, Japan, India, China and Brazil) are in
operation or are planned for the next decade. Broader
swath instruments designed for global coverage (suchas AVHR R ) will be complemented by higher
resolution sensors such as MO DIS and MER IS. In
general, future sensors will benefit from a greaternumber of sampling channels. However, many of these
instruments will be restricted to daylight only or clear
sky operations and the all-weather day/ night capabilityof high resolution SAR s will continue to beimportant. Also, multi-temporal techniques are being
developed to better exploit different future sensors,for example for better discrimination.
Multi-purpose land imagery is of primary importanceto the IGO S Global O bservations of Forest
Cover project.

ISTOK-1, MSU-SK on PRIRODA
ASTER, MODIS on EOS-AM 1
Multispectral visible& IR scanning radiometer(10 channel) on FY-1C

Multispectral visible& IR scanning radiometer(10 channel) on FY-1D

GLI on ADEOS II
MODIS on EOS-PM-1

MSU-SK on Resource-01 N4
MSR on METEOR-3M N2IASI on METOP series
PRISM (ESA) on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

52

53

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997

1998 1999 2000

2001 2002 2003 2004

2005 2006 2007 20082009 2010

Measurements of ocean colour provide information on
ocean biological parameters, in particular the quantityof phytoplankton present. These plants are of great
importance since not only do they form the lowest
level of the marine food chain, but they also play arole in many geochemical processes such as converting
dissolved CO 2 into other compounds, thereby acting
as a biological pump absorbing some of the CO 2
released into the atmosphere by fossil fuels. A
fundamental understanding of biological cycles is thus
essential in quantifying human impacts on the global
biosphere.

2011

KFA-200 & 1000 on Resource-F1M series
KFA-3000 on Resource-F3 series
MK-4 on Resource-F2 series
MSU-E, MSU-SK on
Resource-01 N3
OPS, SAR on JERS-1

MSU-M on SICH-1
LISS on IRS 1a & 1b
LISS II on IRS 1a, 1b & P2

LISS III, WiFS, PAN
on IRS 1c & 1d

HRV onHRVIR, VEGETATION on SPOT 4HRG, VEGETATION on SPOT 5 series
SPOT 1-2

At a local scale, satellite observations of ocean colour,
usually in conjunction with sea surface temperature
measurements, may be used as an indication of thepresence of fish stocks. Measurements may also be used
to monitor water quality and to give an indication of
the presence of pollution by identifying algal blooms.
Measurements of ocean colour are particularly
important in coastal regions where they can be used to
identify features indicative of coastal erosion andsediment transfer.

ATSR, ATSR-2
AATSR, ASAR, MERIS on ENVISAT-1
AMI-SAR on ERS-1 & 2
MSS, TM on
LANDSAT 5

ETM+ on LANDSAT 7
AVHRR/3 on NOAA K-N & N'

AVHRR/2 on
NOAA 9-12 & 14

Multispectral visible & IR scanningradiometer (3 channel) on FY-2
MSU-SK, MOS, MOMS-2P, MSU-E2
TV Camera on PRIRODA
MOS, WiFS on IRS P3

The launch of O CTS and PO LDER (and theirrelatively brief source of data) and more recently of
SeaWiFS has provided critical sources of data that havebeen missing since the completion of the CZCS
mission (1987). In order to provide sufficient global
coverage with the desired accuracy on timescales
characteristic of ocean variability, techniques areneeded which blend satellite and in-situ data. At
present, measurements of ocean colour using thegeneral imaging sensors of SPOT, Landsat and
AVHR R are of limited use, primarily as a result ofrelatively low spectral resolution or radiometer
sensitivity. In the future, additional capability will be
provided by the new generation of narrow spectral
band spectrometers such as MO DIS, MER IS and GLI.

O ceanLand

Ocean colour/biology

O cean colour data are of primary importance for thefollowing IGO S projects: GO DAE; and the Long
Term Measurements of O cean biology project(particularly chlorophyll measurements).

SAR on RADARSATVIRS on TRMM
CCD camera on INSAT IIe

MK-4M on Resource-F2M series

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

MSMR on IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT-1)
CCD camera, IRMSS, WF1 cameraon CBERS 1 & 2

MOS on PRIRODA

ASTER, MISR, MODIS on EOS-AM 1

MOS on IRS-P3

Multispectral visible& IR scanning radiometer(10 channel) on FY1-C

Multispectral visible& IR scanning radiometer(10 channel) on FY1-D

2011

SeaWiFS on OrbView-2

OCM on IRS P5 (OCEANSAT-1)

MSU-EU on SICH-1M
MODIS on EOS-AM-1

Imaging spectrometer, Panchromatic sensor on ARIES-1
GIS, MS, WS on NMP EO-1

MS, GIS, WIS on NMP EO-1
MERIS on ENVISAT 1

MODIS on EOS-PM-1
GLI, POLDER on ADEOS II

OBA on MECB SSR-1 & 2
MODIS on EOS-PM-1

MSU-E1 MSU-SK on Resource-01 N4
HR PAN, LISS IV on IRS P5 (CARTOSAT-1)

Camea, Gemma on NIKA-Kuban

MSR on METEOR-3M N2
LISS III, LISS IV, AWiFS on IRS P6 (RESOURCESAT-1)

LightSAR instrument on LightSAR

SAR on RADARSAT-2
AVNIR-2, PALSAR, PRISM (NASDA) on ALOS

PRISM (ESA), SAR on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

54

55

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

O n a local scale, topographic information fromsatellites may be used in support of off-shore
exploration for resources and for optimising pipeline
routing on the sea floor.

O ceanO cean circulation is of critical importance to the
Earth’s climate system. O cean currents transport asignificant amount of energy from the tropics towards
the poles leading to a moderation of the climate athigh altitudes. Thus knowledge of ocean circulation iscentral to understanding the global climate.
Circulation can be deduced from ocean surface
topography, which may be readily measured using
satellite altimetry. In fact, no other instrument iscapable of providing observations of the global ocean
circulation - in-situ measurements are plagued byinconsistencies in the reference level and insufficient
coverage. However, altimeters will only provide thegeostrophic part of ocean currents unless the geoid is
known more accurately (with this information it isthen possible for altimeters to measure large scale
permanent ocean currents).

Altimeter packages, such as those on the ER S series
and on TO PEX/ PO SEIDO N and its successor
JASO N-1, are capable of measuring ocean topography
to around 7cm and 3cm, respectively. The
TO PEX/ PO SEIDO N and JASO N-1 platforms
comprise a dual frequency altimeter which allows
corrections to be made for ionospheric delays.
Altimeters with large swaths (a few hundred kms acrosstrack) are under development but are unlikely to haveflight opportunities for a decade or more. Information
on ocean circulation may also be obtained indirectlyfrom features such as current and frontal boundaries in
SAR imagery, and by using differences in ocean
temperature or ocean colour as observed by visible andinfra-red imagers.

Using satellite altimetry, large scale changes in ocean
topography, such as those in the tropical Pacific related
to El Niño events may be observed, and the meanlevel of the oceans may be measured - information
which is of particular interest to low-lying countries.

1997 1998

1999 2000 2001 2002

2003 2004

Sea surface winds

Recently, it has also been demonstrated that SAR
data can be used to derive quantitative informationon the near-surface wind field at a spatial resolutionof several kilometres.
Sea surface wind data are of primary importance tothe following IGO S projects: GO DAE; and the Long
Term Measurements of O cean Biology project.

Sea surface topography data is of primary importanceto the IGO S GO DAE project. It is required for
applications such as mesoscale variability, large scalevariability, mean sea level and heat transport.

2005 2006 2007 20082009 20101997 1998

20111999 2000

DORIS, ALT, GPSDR, LRA, SSALT, TMR on TOPEX/POSEIDONSSALT on TOPEX/POSEIDONDORIS on SPOT 2 & 4

RM-0.8 on Ocean-01 N7

DORIS-NG on SPOT 5

RLSBO on Ocean-01 N7

AMI-Scatterometer mode, RA
on ERS-1 & 2

SAR on JERS-1

IKAR-N & P, R-400 on PRIRODA

RA, AMI-SAR on
ERS-1 & 2

The AMI active microwave scatterometers on the
ER S series are the only instruments that can measureboth surface wind speed and direction. The coverage
from these instruments is limited, however, since they
have a single-sided field of view, and hence data fromthe limited period of operation of the dual-sided
swath instrument NSCAT on ADEO S (which failedin June 1997) is of great interest. Coverage will also
be greatly improved with SeaWinds on ADEO S II
and ASCAT on METO P. Measurements of windspeed (but not direction) may also be derived fromaltimeters such as ALT and R A/ R A-2, and frompassive microwave imaging radiometers such as
AMSR on ADEO S II.

Consistent sea surface wind data of high quality andhigh temporal resolution are required for operational
weather forecasting (through assimilation into NWP
models) and to enable understanding of the large-scale
air-sea fluxes which are vital for climate prediction
purposes. Apart from their use in standard weather
forecasting and climate applications, satellite EO dataon sea surface winds are particularly valuable for shortterm severe weather warnings and for ship-routing,providing a valuable source of information at sea,
where no alternative data sources are available. Studies
on cyclones, hurricanes and other intense wind
patterns have been greatly impeded in the past by asevere lack of accurate, extensive wind data – in-situ
observations are nearly impossible in these types ofweather conditions, so the ability to exploit remotesensing is imperative, and scientists are now increasing
their understanding and ability to predict these
phenomena through the use of EO data.

O ceanOcean topography/currents

2001 2002 2003 2004

2005 2006 2007 2008

2009

2010

2011

RA-2 on ENVISAT-1

RLSBO with scatterometer on SICH-2

DORIS-NG, RA-2, ASAR on ENVISAT-1

Travers SAR on PRIRODA

RM-0.8 on SICH-1M

SAR on RADARSATAMSR, Sea Winds on ADEOS IIPOSEIDON/SSALT on Jason-1, Jason Follow on

MSMR on IRS-P4 (OCEANSAT-1)

AMSR-E on EOS-PM-1

RLSBO on OKEAN-O

GLAS on EOS LAM-1

RLSBO on SICH-1M

DORIS-NG, GPSDR, JMR, LRA POSEIDON/SSAL
T on Jason-1 and Jason Follow on
ASCAT on METOP series

GRACE instrument on ESSP-1B (GRACE)PALSAR on ALOS

GLAS on EOS-LAM-1
Radar altimeter, SAR on ESA FUTURE MISSIONSSAR on RADARSAT-2
Gradiometer, Radar altimeter on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

56

57

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

O ceanMeasurements of sea surface temperature (SST) are of
key importance for the studies of coupled atmosphereocean phenomena. Through heat exchanges at the airsea interface, SST is a major factor in the processes
underlying the surface energy balance. It is also central
to the circulation of the atmosphere and oceans, andhence plays a fundamental role in regulating weather
and climate. Departures from mean SSTs are also key
indicators of environmental change, both those transientin nature such as the El Nino event, and those of alonger term such as rising sea levels and desertification.
A major research goal is the development of anincreased understanding of the links between SST andall the above processes. This will only be achieved
through a more precise and comprehensive set of SST
measurements. Satellite remote sensing provides the
only practical means of developing such a dataset insitu data are extremely limited in coverage and are
predominately confined to shipping lanes whereas
satellites offer the potential for surveying the complete
ocean surface in just a few days. Nevertheless, in-situ
data still have a key role to play in calibrating satellite
data and in providing data needed for the conversion
from skin temperatures (as measured by satellite) to bulk
temperatures (as measured by conventional means).

Wave height and spectrum
estimates of ocean biological productivity and tomonitor global phytoplankton distributions, which maythemselves be used to guide fishing fleets to productive
fishing grounds and to support geographic separation ofcoastal commercial fishing operations from the nesting
and migratory pathways of protected species.
O ther applications of SST measurements include thestudy of mixed layer dynamics, mesoscale ocean features
such as eddies and fronts, and coupled physicalbiochemical processes, all of which are vital for thedevelopment of process models.
A range of instruments with thermal bands may be used
for SST measurement. Visible/ infra-red imagers such as
AVHR R and ATSR / ATSR -2 currently provide themain source of SST data, with ATSR / ATSR -2
providing better accuracy, but AVHR R provciding
greater coverage (due to its larger swath width). In the
future, spatial and spectral resolution will be improved
with instruments such as MER IS and MO DIS.
Microwave sensors provide useful (although lessaccurate) data during cloudy conditions. AMSR in
particular will ensure that future coverage and temporal
requirements are met, although it will not be
sufficiently accurate for climate change studies.
Visible/ infrared imagers on geostationary platforms canalso provide ‘clear-sky’ data with very high temporal
but relatively low spatial resolution.

EO data have also been used to monitor a variety ofphenomena such as river outflow and the intrusion of
the Gulf Stream water into coastal regions. In
conjunction with ocean colour measurements,
measurements of SST can be used to give improved

Sea surface temperature data are of primary importanceto the following IGO S projects: GO DAE; and the Long
Term Measurements of O cean Biology project.

Measurements of ocean wave spectrum allow for theprospect of improved modelling of the conditions
within storms and, together with information on windspeeds and surface temperatures, an improved
understanding of the air-sea interactions involved,
thereby resulting in better forecasts of the behaviour ofocean waves. Such forecasts are of great interest to avariety of marine and coastal activities, including
ocean-bound shipping (to protect lives and property as
well as to plan the most economical routing of ships),
off-shore drilling installations (to ensure the safety of
their operations) and coastal protection industries (forexample to optimise harbour construction).

At present, information on wave heights is obtained
primarily from satellite altimeters and SAR s.
Information from radar altimeters is limited tosignificant wave heights, and the resolution of thesemeasurements is generally poor, although this shouldbe improved with future instruments such as GLAS.
SAR s can accurately measure changes in ocean waves
and winds, including wavelength and the directions ofwave fronts, regardless of cloud, fog or darkness. In
addition, by inverting SAR image spectra, ocean wave
spectra may be obtained which are of particularimportance in modelling ocean phenomena.

O ceanSurface temperature (sea)Measurements of wave height and spectrum are also
used by oceanographers to investigate large-scale ocean
features such as fronts and eddies and to construct andverify models of these phenomena. Understanding theprocesses behind these phenomena is difficult anddetailed measurements are vital to improving
understanding. These data are also important forclimate purposes as they are needed for the correct
representation of turbulent air-sea fluxes.

1997 1998

1999 2000 2001 2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

2007 20082009 2010 2011

SSALT on TOPEX/POSEIDONRLSBO on Ocean-01 N7
SAR on JERS-1

1997 1998

1999 2000

2001 2002 2003 2004

2005 2006 2007 200820092010 2011
RA, AMI-SAR image and wave
modes, on ERS-1 & 2

VISSR on GMS-4 & 5

ASAR, RA-2 on ENVISAT-1

Travers SAR on PRIRODA

VHRR on INSAT IIa, IIb & IIe
SAR on RADARSATVISSR and VAS on GOES-7
RLSBO on OKEAN-O

IMAGER on GOES 8-10, L, M
MVIRI on METEOSAT 3-7
TM on LANDSAT 5

RLSBO on SICH-1M

SEVIRI on MSG series

POSEIDON/SSAL
T on Jason-1 and Jason Follow on

ETM+ on LANDSAT 7

Multispectral Visible & IR Scan Radiometer(3 Channel) on FY-2
AVHRR/2, HIRS/2
on NOAA 9-12 & 14
ATSR, ATSR-2
on ERS-1 & 2

GLAS on EOS-LAM-1

AVHRR/3, HIRS/3 on NOAA K-M AVHRR/3, HIRS/4 on NOAA N & N'
SAR on RADARSAT-2

AATSR, MERIS on ENVISAT-1

PALSAR on ALOS

IKAR-D, IKAR-N, IKAR-P, R-400 on PRIRODA
MSMR, OCM on IRS P4

Radar altimeter, SAR on ESA FUTURE MISSIONSMODIS on EOS-AM-1
Multispectral Visible & IR Scan Radiometer(3 channel) on FY-1C and FY-1D
IMAGER on MTSATAMSR, GLI on ADEOS IIAMSR-E, MODIS, AIRS on EOS-PM-1

Klimat MIVZA on
METEOR-3N N1MIZVA, MZOAS on
METEOR-3M N2IASI on METOP series
IMAGER on MTSAT-2
VIS/IR imager on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

58

59

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Ice sheet topography

In addition to the specific ocean measurement
observations discussed above, a number of sensors arecapable of providing ocean imagery which is of value
in various applications.

High resolution imaging sensors are better suited toobservations of coastal zone areas and can provide
information on sedimentation, bathymetry, erosion
phenomena, and aquaculture activity.

Wide area coverage sensors such as AVHR R and
ATSR / ATSR -2 are suitable for observations of large
scale ocean features, using variations in water colour
and temperature to derive information concerning
large scale circulation, currents, river outflow, andwater quality. Such observations are applied to areas
such as ship-routing, environmental monitoring ofsensitive coastal zones, hazard assessment andmanagement of fishing fleets.

In addition, SAR s provide a valuable and reliable allweather source of information on oceanographic
features – including fronts, eddies and internal waves.
SAR imagery is also useful for:- pollution monitoring – including oil spill detection;- ship detection of use in the context of rescue
services, port authorities, customs and immigration;- coastal change detection – topography monitoring;- bottom topography mapping: which has value inresource exploration and pipeline routing.

1997 1998

1999 2000 2001 2002

2003 2004 2005 2006

2007 2008 2009

The state of the polar ice sheets and their volumes areboth indicators and causes of climate change and it isthus of great importance to monitor and study them inorder to investigate the impact of global warming andto forecast future trends. Satellite remote sensing allows
not only observations of the changes in shape of ice
sheets, but also identification of the shape and size oflarge icebergs that have detached from the ice sheet.
The primary source of EO measurements of ice sheet
topography comes from a range of satellite altimeters
flown on both ESA and NASA/ CNES missions.
Although many of the altimeters have high verticalresolution (of order a few cm), their horizontal
resolution is often limited and hence they are of mostuse over the smoother, near horizontal portions of ice
sheets. The new generation of beam-limited laser
altimeters such as GLAS with a high (~70m)
horizontal resolution should be able to detect muchsharper changes in topography.

1997

1998 1999 2000

2001 2002 2003

KFA-200, 1000 on Resource-F1M series
MK-4 on Resource-F2 series
KFA-3000 on Resource-F3 series

RLSBO on Ocean-01 N7

MSU-E on Resource-01 N3

SAR on JERS 1

MSU-M & S, RLSBO on Ocean-01 N7

HRV on SPOT-1 & 2 HRVIR on SPOT-4

MSS, TM on LANDSAT 5

AMI-SAR, RA on ERS-1 & 2 ASAR, RA-2 on ENVISAT-1

ETM+ on LANDSAT 7

HRVIR, VEGETATION on SPOT 4

AVHRR/2 on
NOAA 9-12 & 14

AVHRR/3 on NOAA K-N & N'

2004 2005 2006

2007 2008 2009 20102011

HRG on SPOT 5 series

Travers SAR on PRIRODA

AATSR, ASAR, MERIS on ENVISAT-1

HRV on SPOT 1-2

New techniques employing SAR interferometry
are providing topographical information of very
high precision.

2010 2011

MSU-M, MSU-S on SICH-1

ATSR, ATSR-2,
AMI-SAR on ERS-1 & 2Some high resolution instruments with a stereo
viewing capability may also be used to infer
topography. AMI on the ER S series, for example, hasprovided detailed maps of polar ice topography.

Ic e

O ceanMulti-purpose imagery (ocean)

SAR on RADARSAT

HRG, VEGETATION on SPOT 5 series

ASTER on EOS-AM 1

RLSBO on OKEAN-O

Multispectral visible & IR
scanning radiometer (3channel) on FY-2

RLSBO on SICH-1M

MOS on PRIRODA
GRACE instrument on ESSP-1B (GRACE)SAR on RADARSATGLAS on EOS-LAM-1

MOS, WiFS on IRS P3

VIRS on TRMM

HR PAN on IRS-P5 (CARTOSAT-1)

MK-4M onResource-F2M series

LightSAR instrument on LightSAR

MSMR on IRS P4 (OCEANSAT-1)

SAR on RADARSAT-2

MSU-M & S, RLSBO on OKEAN-O

AVNIR-2, PALSAR on ALOS

Multispectral visible & IR scanning radiometer(10 channel) on FY-1C & FY-1D

Laser altimeter, SAR on ESA FUTURE MISSIONSGLI on ADEOS II

GIS, MS, WS on NMP EO-1

MSU-M, RSLBO on SICH-1M

Camea, Gemma on NIKA-Kuban

SAR on RADARSAT-2
PALSAR on ALOS
SAR, VIS/IR imager on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

61

60

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Sea ice cover, edge and thickness
High resolution synthetic aperture radars such as AMI
on the ER S series, SAR on JER S-1, and
R ADAR SAT offer the best source of data, and again
have the important advantage of all-weather day/ night
operation. Data from these instruments provides
information on the nature, extent and drift of ice
cover and is used not only for status reports, but also
for ice forecasting and as an input for meteorologicaland ice drift models. Low resolution scatterometer
observations such as those from ER S AMI andASCAT on METO P are also used to retrieve
information on sea ice extent and concentration in allweather conditions, during the day or night.
Sea ice cover data is of primary importance to the
IGO S GO DAE project.

Information on the position, extent and thickness of
sea ice cover is also of interest for monitoring ofchanges in the polar regions which have an strong
relationship with the global climate, both through theirhigh albedo, the effect sea ice has on ocean-air fluxes
and its potential to alter the local salinity and hence
dynamics of the ocean. In addition, sea ice thickness
may be a sensitive indicator of possible climate change.

1997 1998

1999 2000 2001 2002

2003 2004

2005 2006 2007 20082009 2010 2011

Ic e

Ic e

Satellite Earth observation can provide information on
ice cover, ice type, ice edge and, to a lesser extent, ice
thickness that would not be practically or economicallyachieved through conventional airborne surveys or insitu measurements. Near real-time delivery of data
tracking the continually changing nature of ice field
conditions provides operational sea ice charts for use:by shipping to avoid damage, delay and to reduce fuelcosts; by offshore drilling companies; by maritime
insurance companies; and by government
environmental regulatory bodies. The ability to map
sea ice distribution and to identify ice-type in all
weather conditions is of particular value to countries
that have large ice-infested areas enveloped in darkness
for long periods.

MSU-M, MSU-S on SICH-1

BTVK on Electro-GOMS N1
MSU-E, MSU-SK on
Resource-01 N3
HRV on SPOT 1-2, HR
VIR on SPOT 4

HRG on SPOT 5 series

AMI-SAR image mode, ASAR, MERIS, RA-2 on ENVISAT-1
RA on ERS-1&2
AVHRR/2 on
NOAA 9-12 & 14

AVHRR/3, AMSU A, AMSU B
on NOAA K-M

AAVHRR/3, AMSU-A, MHS on NOAA N & N'

MSU-M, MSU-S, RM-0.8,
RLSBO on Ocean-01 N7
MR-900, MR-2000 on METEOR-2 N24
MR-2000M, MR-900B on METEOR-3 N5
TM on
LANDSAT 5

ETM+ on LANDSAT 7

OPS, SAR on JERS1
ATSR, ATSR-2
on ERS-2

AATSR on ENVISAT-1

MSU-SK on PRIRODASAR on RADARSAT

Ice cover and type may be determined using
visible/ infra-red sensors which are currently available(AVHR R , ATSR / ATSR -2). In the future, microwave
imagery from multi-spectral radiometers such as
AMSR will enable all weather operation coupled withgood coverage. R adar altimeters provide some
information on ice thickness, but more accurate
measurements will require laser profilers such as GLAS.

Multispectral visible & IR
scanning radiometer (3 channel) on FY-2
MSMR on IRS P4 (OCEANSAT-1)
ASTER on EOS-AM 1
MSU-M, MSU-S,
RLSBO on OKEAN-O
Multispectral visible & IR scanning radiometer(10 channel) on FY-1C & FY-1D
GIS, MS, WS on NMP EO-1
AMSR, GLI on ADEOS II
MSU-M, RM-0.8, MSU-EU
RLSBO on SICH-1M
AMSU, AMSR-E, MHS, on EOS PM-1

GRACE instrument on ESSP-1B (GRACE)GLAS on EOS-LAM-1

Klimat, MIVZA, MR-2000M, MIVZA, MSR, MZOAS
MR-900M on METEOR-3M N1 on METEOR-3M N2
MR-900M, MSU-E1, MSU-SK on Resource-01 N4

BTVK on Electro-GOMS N2
SAR on RADARSAT-2
ASCAT, MHS on METOP series

PALSAR on ALOS
Laser altimeter, Radar altimeter, SAR on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

62

63

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Snow cover, edge and depth

Ic e

Snow cover results in marked changes in albedo andhence the radiation balance, and thus has a significant
impact on the global climate. In addition, snow forms
a vital component of the water cycle, and is an
important source of water supply in many areas. Longterm databases of the volume, extent and depth ofsnow are therefore required to study and comprehend
the climatic and economic impact of snow cover andto monitor climatic variations. With the availability ofsuch information from satellite sensors, understandingof the role of snow in the global climate andhydrology processes is being improved. Snow coverand depth are important in the boundary conditions
for NWP models.

predicting run-off and in turn for forecasting the riskof flooding.
A range of different instrument types can contributeto measurements of snow. Visible, IR and microwave
sensors can all be used to estimate snow cover. A
more difficult measurement is snow depth. Passive
microwave instruments (such as the planned AMSR )are capable of measuring snow liquid water content
which, when combined with prescribed estimates ofsnow density, permits estimates of snow depth to be
made. Active microwave instruments such as SAR soffer very high resolution information on snow
properties, for example SAR s can distinguish between
wet and dry snow (in the case of dry snow, microwave
penetration also gives information on the underlying
surface).

Snow cover information has a range of additional
applications such as in agriculture for detecting areas of
winterkill; this results when grain planted in theautumn is damaged or killed because there isinsufficient snow cover to insulate plants from freezing
temperatures. Locally, monitoring of snow parameters
thus allows warning of when melting is about tooccur, which is crucial for hydrological research, for1997 1998

1999 2000

2001 2002 2003 2004

Low resolution scatterometer observations such as
those from ER S AMI and ASCAT, which will be
carried on METO P, are used to retrieve information
on snow surface characteristics such as melting phase,in all-weather conditions, during the day or night.

2005 2006 2007 20082009 2010 2011

RM-0.8 on Ocean-01 N7
MR-900, MR-2000 on METEOR-2 N24
MR-2000M on METEOR-3 N5
MR-900B on METEOR-3 N5
ASAR, MERIS on ENVISAT-1

AVHRR/2 on
NOAA 9-12 & 14

A.1 INTROD UCTION

A.2 EVENTS OF 1995-97

This section gives details of the satellite missions of
CEO S members and of the CEO S database fromwhich much of the data in this yearbook is derived.
Key events of 1996-97 are identified and changes tomission plans that have occurred since production of
the 1995 CEO S Yearbook are cited. Those missions
that are currently in service are then briefly described,
and a timeline spanning the period 1997-2012 is used
to identify all missions currently planned for thisperiod. Distinction is made between missions that are
currently in service and missions that are either
approved or proposed. Those cases where a
mission is to be extended beyond its planned
lifetime are also identified.

The 1995 CEO S Yearbook listed 19 Earth observation
missions scheduled for launch during the period fromlate 1995 to mid 1997. O f these, at the time of writing
10 missions have been successfully launched inaddition to some 12 Resource series satellites:

Nearly all information contained in this annex has
been gathered from and verified by CEO S agencies
but it should be noted that the launch date andduration of some planned missions is uncertain (eg due
to changes in funding or policy, changes inrequirements, etc) hence, the accuracy of timelines
relating to these missions cannot be guaranteed. If themonth of the launch of a planned mission has notbeen specified the timeline is shown to commence atthe beginning of the planned year of launch.

BVTK on Electro-GOMS 1

AMI-SAR on ERS-1 & 2

A Catalogue of satellite missions

It should also be noted that missions currently
operating beyond their planned life are shown as
operational until the end of 1997 unless an alternative
date has been proposed.

AVHRR/3 on NOAA K-N & N'

SAR on JERS 1

MOS, TRAVERS SAR on PRIRODA

The annex is concluded with the full catalogue of
CEO S agency EO satellite missions, arranged
chronologically by launch date. For each of themissions, the following information is supplied:

WiFS on IRS-1c & 1d
SAR on RADARSAT

MOS, WiFS on IRS P3- status, ie in service or planned (either
firm/ approved or proposed);

MODIS on EOS-AM-1
Multispectral visible & IR scanning radiometer(10 channel) on FY-1C & FY-1D- launch date and expected mission duration;- orbit details (note that the parameters given refer
to: type, altitude, period, repeat cycle);

GLI, AMSR on ADEOS II
RM-0.8 on SICH-1M- instrument suite;

AIRS, AMSR-E, MODIS, MIMR on EOS-PM-1

SICH-1 (NSAU)
RADARSAT (CSA)
IRS 1c (ISRO)IRS P3 (ISRO)PRIRODA(Russia, on MIR space station)
TOMS Earth Probe (NASA)ADEOS (NASDA)
GOES 10 (NOAA)

August 1995
November 1995
December 1995
March 1996
April 1996
July 1996
August 1996
(no longer operating)
April 1997

Resource-F1, F2 and F3 series satellites (RSA) – these satellites
have a planned mission duration of several months. Between
1 and 3 satellites from each of these series were launched perannum during 1996 and 1997;
OrbView-2 (NASA)
August 1997
METEOSAT 7 (EUMETSAT)
September 1997

Further missions now planned for launch before theend of 1997 are:
MECB SCD-2A (INPE)
TRMM (NASA/ NASDA)

Missions currently scheduled to be launched in 1998
comprise:
SPOT 4 (CNES)NOAA 15 (NOAA K) (NOAA)IRS P4 (ISRO)CBERS-1 (INPE)EOS AM 1 (NASA)
OKEAN-O (NSAU)
Odin (SNSB)LANDSAT 7 (NASA)
MECB SCD-2 (INPE)
IRS 1d (ISRO)METEOR 3M N1 (RSA)

February 1998
February 1998
February 1998
May 1998
June 1998
September 1998
later half of 1998
December 1998
1998
1998
1998

- primary mission application areas corresponding tothose discussed in section 5.

MR-2000M, MR-900M, Klimat, MIVZA, MSR, MZOASMIVZA on METEOR-3M N1
on METEOR-3M N2

Details of the instruments on these missions are listed
alphabetically in annex B.

MR-900M on RESOURCE 01 N4

BVTK on Electro-GOMS N2ASCAT on METOP series
SAR on RADARSAT-2

PALSAR on ALOSSAR on ESA FUTURE MISSIONS

64

65

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

A number of in-service Earth observation satellites
were due to complete their missions (extended
missions in some cases) during 1996 or early 1997,
but continue to supply data beyond their expected
lifetime:
SPOT 1 and 2 (CNES);
ERS-1 (ESA);MECB SCD-1 (INPE);
IRS-1a and 1b (ISRO);UARS (NASA);
JERS-1 (NASDA);
GMS-4 (NASDA);LANDSAT 5 (NOAA);
SICH-1 (NSAU).
Electro-GOM S N1 (RSA);
Ocean-01 (RSA);Resource-01 N3 (ROSHYDROMET);
N5, N21 of the METEOR-2/3 series (ROSHYDROMET)

Although these missions continue to provide valuable
data, in some cases their instruments are no longer
fully functional.
A single mission, SPOT 1 has been recommissioned by
CNES for the second time to meet users’ demands fordata until SPOT 4 becomes operational.

A.3 UPDATES TO FUTURE PLANS
The table of satellites in section A.6 lists inter alia, themissions that are planned for launch between 1997 and2012. The most significant recent changes to theseplans in 1996 and 1997 are:- the definition of the O ptimized Converged System- the US system (NPO ESS) will combine thefuture NOAA and defence meteorological satellite
series and be designed to satisfy users of
meteorological data from polar orbiting satellites. A
key element in the planning for the converged
system is the Joint Polar System between NOAA
and EUMETSAT with participation from ESA andNASA;- merging of the planned EO S-ALTR (NASA)satellite series and the TO PEX/ PO SEIDO N
Follow O n mission to form the JASO N series;- redefinition of the EO S-satellite programme(NASA) around the EO S AM, PM and CHEM
series. This activity is ongoing - plans for the initialsatellites in the EO S AM, PM and CHEM series

remain unchanged, while plans for follow-on
satellites are being reconsidered. Some instrumentsfrom other series (eg EO S AERO and CO LO R )are being redeployed to other missions;- extension of Landsat 5 operations until 1999 –after the launch of Landsat 7 – or until thesatellite ceases to function normally if this event
occurs sooner.
There are numerous detailed updates to the launchdates of future missions and to planned instruments.
These details may be found in section A.6.

A.4 CURRENT MISSIONS
Brief descriptions of the principal current missions arelisted alphabetically below.
ADEO S series: The aim of the ADEO S series is toobserve the Earth using an array of optical, thermal,
ocean colour and other sensors to obtain informationon land, ocean and atmospheric processes. The
ADEO S series also carries an experimental
communication instrument (IO CS) for the study ofinterorbit links. The first ADEO S stopped operating
unexpectedly in June 1997. ADEO S II is due forlaunch in 1999.
ER S series: ER S-1 was launched by ESA in July 1991;
ER S-2 was launched in April 1995. This series
concentrates on global and regional environmental
issues, making use of active microwave techniques thatenable a range of measurements to be made of land,sea and ice surfaces independent of cloud cover andatmospheric conditions. In addition, theATSR / ATSR -2 instrument on these missions provides
images of the surface or cloud top and the GO ME
instrument on ER S-2 provides measurements of ozone
levels. ER S-1 and ER S-2 operated in tandem foraround 1 year in 1995 and 1996 providing data for
topographic applications such as differential
interferometry.
Geostationary meteorological satellites: There is aworld-wide network of operational geostationary
meteorological satellites which provide visible andinfra-red images of the Earth's surface and atmosphere.
Countries/ regions with current geostationary
operational meteorological satellites are the USA(GO ES series), Europe (METEO SAT series), Japan(GMS series), India (INSAT series), China (FY series)
and R ussia (GO MS).

IR S series: The Indian IR S satellites provide highresolution imagery in a range of visible and infra-red
bands. Their primary objectives are national mappingsof various resources. The series was supplemented by
IR S-1c in December 1995.
LAGEO S series: These missions are designed tomeasure the Earth’s crustal motion and the Earth’s
gravitational field. The space segment comprises
corner cube laser retroreflectors and the groundsegment is a global network of transportable laser sites.
The design life of the space segment is 10,000 years.
METEO R series: R SA maintains two or threesatellites in orbit at any time mainly for operational
meteorological purposes. O ther applications include
experimental measurement of ozone and Earthradiation budget. This series is supplemented by theElectro-GO MS N1 meteorological mission which has
been extended to 1998.
NOAA polar orbiters: The current series ofoperational polar orbiting meteorological satellites isprovided by NOAA. Two satellites are maintained inpolar orbit at any one time, one in a “morning” orbit
and one in an “afternoon” orbit. The series provides awide range of data of interest, including sea surface
temperature, cloud cover, data for land studies,temperature and humidity profiles and ozone
concentrations.
O R BVIEW-2: A satellite launched in August 1997
that carries the ocean colour radiometer SeaWiFS.
O rbView-2 provides near-realtime information on
aerosols, and ocean colour and biology which is used
for environmental and fisheries applications.
PR IRO DA: A dedicated remote sensing module onboard the MIR space station (R ussia) comprising lidar,
sounder and optical/ IR and microwave imaging
instruments. PR IRO DA is an experimental platform
used for the development and verification of remotesensing methods and for climatological, oceanographic
and ecological applications.
R ADAR SAT series: launched in November of 1995,
R ADAR SAT provides researchers and operational
users with a range of SAR data products which areused for marine applications such as ship routing, andice forecasting as well as land applications such as
resource management and geological mapping. Data
continuity into the next millennium will be ensured
through the proposed launch of R ADAR SAT 2.

66

Resource series: R ussia maintains a series of Resource
satellites such as the recently launched Resource-01
N3 for land applications such as crop and soil
monitoring, assessment of hydrological conditions,monitoring of forest and tundra firs and pollution
monitoring.
MECB SCD series: This Brazilian satellite series
receives environmental data gathered on the groundand transmits it to other locations.
SICH series: SICH-1, the first of this satellite series, isequipped with a radar imager, microwave radiometer,
and low and high spatial resolution optical instruments.
These satellites are designed to provide information onland, marine and sea ice phenomena, on an
operational basis.
SPOT and Landsat series: The SPOT satellites
operated by French, Swedish and Belgian space
agencies, and the Landsat satellites operated by NOAA
provide high resolution imagery in a range of visible
and infra-red bands. They are used extensively for highresolution land studies. In 1997/ 98, US commercial
satellites will provide very high resolution (better than
5m spatial resolution) imaging satellites which will
broaden the range of land applications of EO data.
TO PEX/ PO SEIDO N and JASO N series: Thesesatellites form a joint NASA/ CNES precision radar
altimetry mission to measure ocean topography andhence, the speed and direction of ocean currents.

A.5 CEOS DATABASEAs discussed in section 2, this Yearbook has its origins
in the CEO S Dossier, first published by BNSC in
1992 and subsequently by ESA in 1993 and 1994. The
CEO S Dossier Database - an electronic database
version of the Dossier based on the information
presented in the tables of this annex, was also producedby ESA in 1994. All of these documents had the aimof assisting in the task of determining how well the
output from CEO S Members' missions met therequirements of CEO S Affiliates. The 1994 CEO S
Plenary established the CEO S Task Force on Planningand Analysis to address this aim in more detail.
During its second year of activities, the Task Force wasassisted by the development, at ESA ESR IN, of an online, relational database which was accessible via theInternet and which could be used by CEO S
participants to update requirements and data provision
information relevant to them. The Task Force67

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

LAGEOS ILANDSAT 5
NOAA 9-14
SPOT 1,2
GOES 7,8,9
IRS-1aGMS-4

in service
firm/approved, proposed
oper ating be yond planned lif etime

ERS-1

established guidelines for the structure of the databaseand developed "standards" for its content in terms ofthe definition of variables and of the parameters used
when entering Affiliates' requirements and Members'
statements of provision (for example units, accuracy,
resolution etc).
The WMO, one of the members of the Task Force, hadalready developed a stand-alone (PC-based) database of
Affiliate requirements, based upon experience gatheredcataloguing requirements of the various WMO
Commissions over the past decade. The two databasedevelopments continued in parallel and both were usedby the Task Force which presented its final report to the1996 CEOS Plenary. Its work provided the foundation
for the establishment of the CEOS Analysis Group
referred to in section 2.
In January 1997, it was agreed that both versions of
the database (ie on-line and stand-alone) were
important and that each had its own merits. However,for the databases to be useful it was recognised thatthey must contain identical data from CEO S
participants. Mechanisms for the input and transfer ofdata and for synchronisation of the two versions of the
CEO S database were agreed and the first synchronised
set of data in both versions of the database became
available in early July 1997. The data can be read byanyone from either database but changes can only bemade by authorised Member and Affiliate
representatives.

O ver 100 different geophysical variables are defined in
the databases - atmospheric variables are further
categorised into 4 "height" levels plus a verticallyintegrated column total. Those individuals charged
with inputting data can also specify the degree of"certainty" associated with either a requirement or astatement of provision. The data within the databases is
structured into different levels:

IRS-1bMETEOR-3 series
UARS
JERS-1INSAT Series
TOPEX/POSEIDONLAGEOS IIMECB SCD-1
METEOR-2 N24
STELLAMETEOSAT 6
IRS-P2
Ocean-01 series- Level 1 data includes basic identification details andsummaries of satellite/ user programmes.

Electro-GOMS Series
Resource Series
GMS-5
ERS-2

- Level 2 information relates to CEO S Members andcontains information on the programmatic featuresof a series of satellites, lists the satellites in the series
and reports technical features common to allsatellites in the series.

SICH-1RADARSAT
IRS-1cPRIRODAFY-2
IRS-P3TOMS Earth Probe
GOES 10- Level 3 information relates to CEO S Members andcontains information on an individual satellite of aseries or on a single satellite programme.

OrbView-2- Level 4 information details instrument
characteristics needed by the user to evaluate theextent to which the instrument is suitable to fulfil
the user's requirements.

MECB SCD-2

MECB SCD-2a
METEOSAT 7
TRMM
IRS-1dMETEOR-3M Series
GOES K-M
IRS-P4NOAA K-N'
SPOT 4
CBERS-1,2- Level 5 information details requirements andperformances in terms of geophysical variables.
The on-line version of the CEO S database can beaccessed at http:/ / ceos.esrin.esa.it/ dossier and thePC-based version is available from WMO.

EOS-AM-1
Odin
OKEAN-OLANDSAT 7
Electro-GOMS N2
FY-1C
ACRIMSATNMP EO-1
CHAMP
ENVISAT-1
IRS-P5ADEOS II
MTSAT
SICH-1M
ARIES-1
ESSP-1A (VCL)
MDS-2
NIKA-Kuban
Jason-1
IRS-P6MSG series
EOS-PM-1
FY-1D
LightSARMECB SSR-1,2
MET OP series
RADARSAT-2
ESSP-1B (GRACE)
FedSat-1
EOS-LAM 1
MECB SCD-3SPOT 5
EOS-CHEM-1
CARTOSAT-2
MTSAT-2
OCEANSAT-2
ALOS
RESOURCESAT-2
EOS-AM Follow on
ESA Future Missions
Jason Follow on
ATMOS-1
CLIMATSAT-1
IRS-3
EOS-LAM Follow on
EOS-PM Follow on
EOS-CHEM Follow onFirst Converged Spacecraft

Fig A.1 Mission summary diagram

68

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

69

A.6 LIST OF SATELLITE MISSIONS (CHRONOLOGICAL)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

UARS
(NASA)In service

September1991
6 years

57 deginclination,
600km, 97 mins,
36 days

ACRIM II,HALOE, HRDI,
MLS (UARS),PEM, SOLSTICE,SUSIM, WINDII

Atmospheric chemistry(middle to upper
atmosphere),
atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles Research
mission

JERS 1(NASDA)In service

February
1992
5 years 7
monthsSun synchronous,
568km, 96 mins,
44 days

OPS, SAR

Earth resources
Land surface

INSAT IIa
(ISRO)In service

July 1992
9 years 1
month

Geostationary

BSS & FSStransponders,
SRT-S&R, VHRR

Meteorology, datacollection andcommunication, searchand rescue

TOPEX/POSEIDON(NASA)In service

August 1992
7 years

Non sunsynchronous, 66
deg inclination,
1336km, 112
mins 25.8 sec, 9days, 21 hours
58 mins 32 secs

ALT, DORIS,GPSDR, LRA,POSEIDON (aka
SSALT), TMR

Physicaloceanography,
geodesy/gravity

LAGEOS II(NASA)In service

October
1992
10000 years

52 deginclination,
5900kmLaser cornercube
reflectors

Geodesy, crustal
motion and gravity
field measurements bylaser ranging

MECB
SCD-1
(INPE)In service

February
1993
3 years

25 deginclination,
750km, 100 min

DCP

Data collection andcommunication

INSAT Iib
(ISRO)In service

July 1993
7 years

Geostationary

BSS & FSStransponders,
SRT-S&R, VHRR

Meteorology, datacollection andcommunication, searchand rescue

METEOR-2
N24(ROSHYDROMET)In service

August 1991
4 years
1 month82.5 deg
inclination,
900km, 102.5
mins

MR-2000,
MR-900, RMK-2

Land surface, physicaloceanography,
atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles

STELLA(CNES)In service

September
1993
10,000 years

Circular, 98 deg
inclination,
830km

Laser reflectors

Geodesy/gravity
Study of the Earth’s
gravitational field andits temporal variations

METEOSAT(EUMETSAT)In service

November
1993
8 years 7
monthsGeostationary

MVIRI

Meteorology,
climatology

Mission(Agency)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

Mission(Agency)

LAGEOS(NASA)In service

May 1976
10,000101 deg
inclination,
6000kmLaser cornercube
reflectors

Geodesy, crustal motion
and gravity fieldmeasurements by laser
ranging

LANDSAT 5(NOAA)In service

March 1984
13 years 6monthsNear polar, sunsynchronous,
crossing 0945h
LST, 705km, 99
mins, 16 days

MSS, TM

Land surface, Earthresources

December
1984
12 years 9monthsPolar, sunsynchronous,
crossing 1015h
LST crossing,
843km

ARGOS,AVHRR/2, ERBE,HIRS/2, MSU, S&R(NOAA), SBUV/2,
SEM, SSUNOAA 9(NOAA)In service

SPOT 1(CNES)In service

GOES 7(NOAA)In service

Meteorology, Agriculture
and forestry,
Environmental
monitoring, Climatology,
Physical oceanography,
Volcanic eruption
monitoring, ice and snow
cover, ozone studies,
space environment, solar
flux analysis, life-saving
capability through Searchand Rescue

February
1986
13 years 10
monthsSun synchronous,
1031h LST,
832km, 101mins, 26 days

HRV

Cartography, land
surface, agriculture andforestry, civil planningand mapping, digitalterrain models,environmental monitoring

February
1987
10 years 7
monthsGeostationary

DCS, S&R (GOES),
SEM, VISSR andVAS (GOES-7),
WEFAX

Meteorology,
atmospheric dynamics,
land surface, spaceenvironment, search andrescue, data collection,
WEFAX (weather
facsimile service)

IRS 1a(ISRO)In service

March 1988
9 years 6
monthsSun synchronous,
904km, 103
mins, 22 days

LISS I, LISS II

Land surface, agriculture
and forestry regional
geology, land use
studies, water resources,
vegetation studies,coastal studies and soils

NOAA 11NOAA

In service

September
1988
9 years

Polar, sunsynchronous, pm
crossing, 846km

ARGOS,AVHRR/2, HIRS/2,
MSU, S&R(NOAA), SBUV/2,
SEM, SSU

Meteorology, Agriculture
and forestry, Environmental
monitoring, Climatology,
Physical oceanology,
Volcanic eruption
monitoring, ice and snow
cover, total ozone studies,
space environment, solar
flux analysis, life-saving
capability through Search& Rescue70

71

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Status

Launchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

Mission(Agency)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

GOES 8(NOAA)In service

April 1994
5 years

Geostationary

DCS, IMAGER,
S&R (GOES),
SEM, SOUNDER,
WEFAX

Meteorology (primary
mission), search andrescue, spaceenvironment
monitoring, datacollection platform,
data gathering,WEFAXNOAA 14(NOAA)In service

December1994
2 years 9
monthsNear polar, sunsynchronous, pm
crossing, 851km,
102.1 mins

ARGOS,AVHRR/2,
HIRS/2, MSU,
S&R (NOAA),SBUV/2, SEM,SSU

IRS P2(ISRO)In service

October1994
3 years

Sun synchronous,
817km, 101.35
mins

LISS IILand surface,agriculture andforestry, regional
geology, land use
studies, water
resources, vegetation
studies, coastal studies
and soils

Meteorology,
agriculture andforestry, environmental
monitoring,climatology, physicaloceanography,
Volcanic eruption
monitoring, ice andsnow cover, totalozone studies, spaceenvironment, solar flux
analysis, life-saving
capability throughSearch and Rescue

GMS-5(NASDA)In service

March 1995
5 years

Geostationary

VISSR (GMS5)

Meteorology

ERS-2
(ESA)

In service

April 1995
4 years 2
monthsSun synchronous,
785km, 1030h
LST descending
phase, 100.5
mins

AMI – SAR
image mode,
AMI – SAR wave
mode, AMI –Scatterometermode, ATSR-2,
GOME, MWR,
PRARE, RA

Earth resources plus
physicaloceanography, ice andsnow, land surface,meteorology,
geodesy/gravity,
environmental
monitoring,atmospheric chemistry

GOES 9(NOAA)In service

May 1995
5 years

Geostationary

DCS, IMAGER,
S&R (GOES),SEM SOUNDER,
WEFAX

Meteorology (primary
mission), search andrescue, spaceenvironment
monitoring, datacollection, platform,
data gathering,
WEFAX

SICH-1(NSAU)In service

August 1995
2 years 1
month

82.5 deg
inclination,
650km, 98 mins

MSU-M, MSU-S

Physicaloceanography,hydrometeorology

RADARSATRADARSAT(CSA)

In service

September
1995
5 years

Dawn-dusk, 98.6
deg inclination,
ascendingcrossing 1800h
LST, 793km821km, 7 & 3
day subcycles,
24 days

SAR

Environmental
monitoring, physicaloceanography, ice andsnow, land surface

Mission(Agency)

Ocean-01
N7(ROSHYDROMET)In service

October
1994
4 years

Near polar, 82.6
deg inclination,
650km, 98 mins

KONDOR-2,
MSU-M, MSU-S,
RLSBO, RM-0.8

Agriculture andforestry, climatology,
data collection andcommunication,hydrology,hydrometeorology, ice
and snow, land
surface, meteorology

ElectroGOMS N1(RSA)

In service

November
1994
4 years

Geostationary at
76 deg East,
36000km, 24
hour

BRK, BTVK, RMS

Climatology, datacollection andcommunication,
disaster warning,hydrometeorology, ice
and snow, land
surface, meteorology,
space environment.
Continuous observationof cloud cover andEarth’s surface

Resource01 N3(ROSHYDROMET)In service

November
1994
4 years

Near polar, sunsynchronous 98
deg inclination,
670km

MSU-E, MSU-SK(Resource-01 N3)Agriculture andforestry, hydrology,
environmental
monitoring,hydrometeorology, ice
and snow, land
surface, meteorology

72

73

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Status

Launchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

Mission(Agency)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

IRS 1c(ISRO)In service

December
1995
3 years

Sun synchronous,
817km, 101.35
mins, 24 days

LISS III, PAN,
WiFS

Land surface, agriculture
and forestry regional
geology, land use
studies, water resources,
vegetation studies,coastal studies and soils,
cartography, digitalterrain models

GOES 10(NOAA)In service

April 1997
5 years

Geostationary

DCS, IMAGER,
S&R (GOES),
SEM, SOUNDER,
WEFAX

Meteorology (primary
mission), search andrescue, spaceenvironment
monitoring, datacollection platform,
data gathering,WEFAX

PRIRODA(RSA)

In service

December
1995
4 years

MIR spacestation, 51.6 deg
inclination, 380420km

ALISSA, DOPI,IKAR-D, IKAR-N,
IKAR-P, ISTOK-1,
MOMS-2P, MOS(PRIRODA), MSUE2, MSU-SK(PRIRODA),
Ozon-M, R-400,
Travers SAR, TV
cameraAgriculture and forestry,
atmospheric chemistry,
atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles,
climatology, digitalterrain models,meteorology, ocean
biology/ocean colour,
physical oceanography,
space environment

OrbView-2(NASA)In service

August 1997
5 years

Polar, sunsynchronous,
crossing 1200h
LST, descending,
705km, 99 mins,
2 days

SeaWiFS

Ocean biology/ocean
colour, physicaloceanography

MECB SCD2A(INPE)

Firm/
approved

September
1997
2 years

25 deginclination,
750km, 100mins

DCP

Data collection andcommunication

Multispectral
Visible & IR Scan
Radiometer(3 channel)

Meteorology andenvironmental monitoring
Data collection andredistribution

METEOSAT
7(EUMETSAT)

Firm/
approved

October
1997
5 years

Geostationary

MVIRI

Meteorology,
climatology

TRMM(NASA)

Firm/
approved

November
1997
3 years

35 deginclination,
350km

CERES, LIS, PR,
TMI, VIRS

Atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles

INSAT IIe
(ISRO)

Firm/
approved

1998
7 years

Geostationary

BSS & FSStransponders,
CCD camera(INSAT-IIe), DRTS&R, VHRR

Meteorology, datacollection andcommunication, searchand rescue

IRS 1d(ISRO)

Firm/
approved

1998
3 years

Sun synchronous,
817km, 101.35
mins, 24 days

LISS III, PAN,
WiFS

Land surface,agriculture and forestry
regional geology, land
use studies, water
resources, vegetation
studies, coastal studies
and soils

MECB
SCD-2
(INPE)

Firm/
approved

1998
2 years

25 deginclination,
750km, 100mins

DCP

Data collection andcommunication

METEOR3M N1(RSA)

Proposed1998
3 years

Near polar, sunsynchronous,
1000km

KGI-4 C, Klimat,
MIVZA,
MR-2000M,
MR-900M,
MSGI-5EI,MTVZA, SAGE III,
SFM-2

Agriculture andforestry, climatology,hydrology,hydrometeorology, ice
and snow, land
surface, meteorology,
space environment

Mission(Agency)

FY-2(China(CMA))In service

ResourceF1M series(RSA)

In service

ResourceF2 series(RSA)

In service

ResourceF3 series(RSA)

IRS P3(ISRO)

1996
3 years

82.3 deg (1,2:
KFA-1000
near-circular, 3:
KFA-200
elliptical), 1:235km
2:285km, 3:180305km, 89.16
mins, 14 days

Land surface, physicaloceanography,
geodesy/gravity

1996
3 years

82.3 deg inclinaMK-4
tion, 240km, 89.22
mins, 16 days

Land surface, physicaloceanography

In service

1996
2 years

82.3 deg inclination, 240, 275,
340km, 89.22
mins, 14 days

KFA-3000

Cartography (land andocean) 1:25000 and
below

In service

March 1996
3 years

Sun synchronous,
817km, 101.35
mins

MOS, WiFS, Xray astronomy
payloadOcean biology, physicaloceanography, land
surface, agriculture andforestry, water resources,
vegetation and coastal
studies

TOMS Earth In service
Probe(NASA)

1996
4 years

Geostationary at
105 deg East

July 1996
2 years

Sun synchronous,
670-690km, 98
mins

TOMS

Atmospheric chemistry,
Ozone and sulphur
dioxide measurements

74

75

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Mission(Agency)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

Mission(Agency)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

Resource01 N4(RSA)

Proposed1998
2 years

Near polar, sunsynchronous, 98
deg inclination
670km

ISP-2M,
MR-900M,
MSU-E1, MSU-SK(Resource-01
N4), RMK-2,
SFM-2Land surface, physicaloceanography

EOS-AM 1(NASA)

Firm/
approved

June 1998
6 years

Polar, sunsynchronous,
crossing 1030h
LST, descending,
705km, 99 mins,
16 days

ASTER, CERES,MISR, MODIS,
MOPITT

ResourceF2M series
(RSA)

Firm/
approved

1998
2 years

82.3 deg
inclination, 240km,
89.22 mins, 14
days

MK-4M

Agriculture andforestry, cartography,
civil planning, digitalterrain models, earth
resources, hydrology,
ice and snow, land
surface, ocean
biology/ocean colour,
physical oceanography

Atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles,
Atmospheric chemistry,
Physical and radiative
properties of clouds, airland exchanges ofenergy, carbon andwater, vertical profiles of
CO and methane
vulcanology

Odin(SNSB)

Firm/
approved

September1998
2 years

Circular, polar,
sun synchronous
terminator orbit,
620km, 97 mins,
5 days (±100km
at equator)

IR imager,
radiometer, UVvisible spectrometer

Astronomy/aeronomy
missionAtmospheric chemistry,
atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles,
climatology, astronomy

OKEAN-O(NSAU)

Firm/
approved

September
1998
1 yearNear polar, sunsynchronous, 98
deg inclination,
670km, 98 mins

DELTA-2,
KONDOR-2, MSUM, MSU-S, R-225,
RLSBO

Agriculture and forestry,hydrology, environmental
monitoring, crop and soil
monitoring, forest andtundra fires, pollution
monitoring

LANDSAT 7(NASA)

Firm/
approved

December
1998
6 years

Polar, sunsynchronous,
crossing equator
0945-1015h LST,
705km, 98 mins,
233 orbits/cycle,
16 days

ETM+Land surface, Earthresources

ElectroGOMS N2(RSA)

Proposed1999
2 years

Geostationary at
76 deg East,
36000km, 24
hour

BRK, BTVK, RMS

Climatology, datacollection andcommunication, disasterwarning,hydrometeorology, ice
and snow, land surface,meteorology, spaceenvironment. Continuous
observation of cloud
cover and Earth’s
surface.

FY-1C(China(CMA))

Firm/
approved

1999
1 yearPolar, sunsynchronous,
870km, 102.3
mins, 14 days

Multispectral
Visible & IR Scan
Radiometer (10channel)Meteorology
Environmental monitoring

GOES L(NOAA)

Firm/
approved

February
1999
5 years

Geostationary

DCS, IMAGER,
S&R (GOES),
SEM, SOUNDER,
WEFAX

Meteorology (primary
mission), search andrescue, spaceenvironment
monitoring. Data
collection platform,
data gathering,WEFAX

IRS P4 (aka Firm/
OCEANSAT-1) approved(ISRO)NOAA K(NOAA)

Firm/
approved

February
1998
5 years

February
1998
3 years

Sun synchronous,
LST noon ± 20
mins descending,
720km, 98 mins,
approx 22 days

MSMR, OCM

Near polar, sunsynchronous, amcrossing, 825850km

AMSU-A,
AMSU-B,
ARGOS,AVHRR/3,
HIRS/3, S&R(NOAA), SEM

Ocean biology,
physical oceanography

Meteorology,
agriculture andforestry, environmental
monitoring,climatology, physicaloceanography,
Volcanic eruption
monitoring, ice andsnow cover, totalozone studies, spaceenvironment, solar flux
analysis, life-saving
capability throughSearch and Rescue

SPOT 4(CNES)

Firm/
approved

February
1998
5 years

Sun synchronous,
830km, 101mins, 26 days

DORIS, HRVIR,VEGETATION

Cartography, land
surface, agriculture
and forestry, civil
planning andmapping, digitalterrain models,environmental
monitoring

CBERS 1
(INPE)

Firm/
approved

May 1998
2 years

Sun synchronous,
crossing 1030h
LST, 778km, 100
min, 26 days

CCD camera,
DCP, IRMSS, WFI
cameraEarth resources,
environmental
monitoring, land
surface76

77

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Mission(Agency)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

Mission(Agency)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

ACRIMSAT(NASA)

Firm/
approved

May 1999
5 years

TBD

ACRIM

Will sustain long term
solar luminosity databaseby providing
measurements of total
solar irradiance and thesolar constant

NOAA L(NOAA)

Firm/
approved

December1999
3 years

Near polar, sunsynchronous, pm
crossing, 825850km

AMSU-A,
AMSU-B,
ARGOS,AVHRR/3,
HIRS/3, S&R(NOAA),
SBUV/2, SEM

NMP EO-1(NASA)

Firm/
approved

May 1999
3 years

Sun synchronous,
98.2 deg inclination, 1045h LST
descending phase,
705km

ALI, GIS, MS,
WIS

Land surface
Earth resources

CHAMP(DARA)

Firm/
approved

June 1999
5 years

Non sunsynchronous, 83
deg inclination,
450km (beginningof life), 300km(end of life)

Magnetometry
package(CHAMP), STAR
Accelerometer,
TRSR

Gravity field
Precise geoid
Magnetic field
Atmospheric physics

Meteorology,
agriculture and forestry,
environmental
monitoring,climatology, physicaloceanography,
Volcanic eruption
monitoring, ice andsnow cover, total ozone
studies, spaceenvironment, solar flux
analysis, life-saving
capability throughSearch and Rescue

ARIES-1(Australia)

Proposed2000
5 years

Circular, sunsynchronous,
500km

Imaging
spectrometer,
Panchromatic
sensorEarth resources,
agriculture andforestry, water
resources, vegetation
studiesPolar, 780820km, 100.59
mins, 35 days

AATSR, ASAR,
DORIS-NG,GOMOS, MERIS,MIPAS, MWR,
RA-2,
SCIAMACHY

Physicaloceanography, land
surface, ice and snow,
atmospheric chemistry,
atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles

CBERS 2
(INPE)

Firm/
approved

2000
2 years

Sun synchronous,
crossing 1030h
LST, 778km, 100
mins, 26 days

CCD camera,
DCP, IRMSS, WFI
cameraEarth resources,
environmental
monitoring, land
surface

Firm/
approved

2000
2 years

HR PAN, LISS IV

Cartography, digitalterrain models, civil
planning, resource andcadastre management

55 deginclination, 390410km

VCL

Sun synchronous,
617km, approx
101 mins, 22
days

ESSP-1A(aka VCL)(NASA)

Land use, land cover,vegetation andtopographic mapping

MDS-2(NASDA)Firm/
approved

2000
1 yearEquatorial, 30
deg inclination,
550km, 16 mins

LIDAR

Climatological data on
clouds and aerosols

METEOR3M N2(RSA)

Proposed2000
1 yearNear polar, sunsynchronous, 98
deg inclination,
900km

KGI-4, MIVZA,MSGI-5, MSR(RSA), MTVZA,MZOAS, SAGE
III, ScaRaB, SFM2, TOMS

Land surface, physicaloceanography,
atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles, spaceenvironment

NIKAKuban (RSA)

Proposed2000
2 years

81.4 deg, 248273km

Camea, Gemma

Land surface, physicaloceanography

GOES M(NOAA)

Firm/
approved

February
2000
5 years

Geostationary

DCS, IMAGER,
S&R (GOES),
SEM, SOUNDER,SXI, WEFAX

Meteorology (primary
mission), search andrescue, spaceenvironment
monitoring, datacollection platform,
data gathering, WEFAX

Jason-1(NASA)

Firm/
approved

April 2000
3 years

66 deginclination,
1336km, 113
mins, 14 days

DORIS-NG,
GPSDR, JMR(formerly AMR),
LRA, POSEIDON2 (aka SSALT-2)

Physicaloceanography,
geodesy/gravity,
climate monitoring,
marine meteorology

ENVISAT 1
(ESA)

Firm/
approved

June 1999
5 years

IRS P5(aka CARTO
SAT-1)(ISRO)

Proposed

ADEOS II
(NASDA)Firm/
approved

August 1999
3 years

Circular, sunsynchronous
1030h ±15mins
LST, approx
802.9km, approx
101 mins, 4 days
(57 revisit)

AMSR, DCS
(NASDA/CNES),
GLI, ILAS-II,POLDER, Sea
Winds

Atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles
Land surface
Physical oceanography

MTSAT

Firm/
approved

August 1999
5 years

Geostationary

IMAGER (MTSAT)

Meteorology
Aeronauticalapplications

Ministry of
Aeronautical
Transportation,
Control, Japan

SICH-1M(NSAU)

Firm/
approved

June 1999
5 years

September1999
1 year82.5 deg
inclination,
650km, 98 mins

MSU-EU, MSU-M,
RLSBO,
RM-0.8

Physicaloceanography,hydrometeorology

78

79

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Mission(Agency)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

Mission(Agency)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

IRS P6(aka
RESOURCE
SAT-1)(ISRO)

Proposed

June 2000
3 years

Sun synchronous,
817km, approx
1001 mins,
approx 22 days

AWiFs, LISS III(IRS-P6), LISS IV

Agriculture andforestry, disasterwarning, Earthresources,
environmental
monitoring, land
surface, ocean
biology/ocean colour

NOAA M(NOAA)

Firm/
approved

April 2001
3 years

Near polar, sunsynchronous, pm
crossing, 825850km

AMSU-A,
AMSU-B,
ARGOS,AVHRR/3,
HIRS/3, S&R(NOAA),
BUV/2, SEM

MSG 1(EUMETSAT)

Firm/
approved

June 2000
7 years

Geostationary

GERB, SEVIRI

Meteorology,
Climatology,
Atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles

Meteorology, agriculture
and forestry,
environmental
monitoring, climatology,
physical oceanography,
Volcanic eruption
monitoring, ice andsnow cover, total ozone
studies, spaceenvironment, solar flux
analysis, life-saving
capability throughSearch and Rescue

FedSat-1(Australia)

Firm/approved

June 2001
5 years

Circular orbit,
inclination TBD,
1000kmGPS receiver,
Magnetometerand advanced
communications
payloadCommunications, data
relay, near Earthenvironment, upper
atmospheric physics,
meteorology

EOS-LAM 1(NASA)

Proposed

July 2001
3 years

94 deginclination,
600km, 90 mins

GLAS

Physicaloceanography,
geodesy/gravity, land
surface, ocean
altimetry andcirculation, ice sheet
mass balance,
geological features

MECB
SCD-3
(INPE)

Firm/
approved

2002
2 years

0 deg inclination,
750km, 100mins

DCP, LEO
communicationtransponder

Data collection andcommunication

SPOT 5(CNES)

Firm/
approved

2002
5 years

Sun synchronous,
830km, 101mins, 26 days

DORIS-NG, HRG,
VEGETATION

Cartography, land
surface, agriculture
and forestry, civil
planning andmapping, digitalterrain models,environmental
monitoring

EOSCHEM 1(NASA)

Firm/
approved

December
2002
6 years

Polar, sunsynchronous,
705km, 99 mins

HiRDLS, MLS(EOS-CHEM),
Ozone instrument(TBD), TES

Atmospheric chemistry
Atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles

MSG 2(EUMETSAT)

Firm/
approved

December
2002
7 years

Geostationary at
0 deg oflongitude

GERB, SEVIRI

Meteorology,
Climatology,
Atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles

CARTO
SAT-2
(ISRO)

Proposed2003
5 years

Sun synchronous,
617km, approx
101 mins,
approx 22 days

TBD

Cartography, digitalterrain models, civil
planning, resource andcadastre management

EOS-PM 1(NASA)

Firm/
approved

December
2000
5 years

Polar, sunsynchronous,
crossing 1330h
LST, ascending,
705km, 99 mins

AIRS, AMSR-E,
AMSU, HSB,
MODIS

Polar, sunsynchronous,
870km, 102.3
mins, 14 days

Multispectral
Visible & IR Scan
Radiometer (10channel)Meteorology
Environmental
monitoring

2001
5 years

TBD

TBD

TBD

FY-1D
(China(CMA))

Firm/
approved

Light SAR
(NASA)

Proposed

MECB
SSR-1
(INPE)

Firm/
approved

2001
4 years

Equatorial, 0 deg
inclination,
905km, 103 mins,
0.2 day

OBA

Earth resources,
environmental
monitoring, land
surface

METOP 1
(EUMETSAT)

Proposed

2001
5 years

Polar, sunsynchronous, at
0930h LST indescending
phase, approx
840km, 101.7
mins

ASCAT, GOME2, GRAS, IASI,
MHS

Meteorology
Climatology

RADAR
SAT-2
(CSA)

ESSP-1B(aka GRACE)(NASA)

Proposed

Firm/
approved

2001
1 yearAtmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles, cloudformation, precipitation
and radiative
properties, air/sea
fluxes of energy andmoisture, sea ice extent
and heat exchangewith the atmosphere2001
5 years

March 2001
5 years

Dawn-dusk, 98.6
SAR
deg inclination,
ascending crossing
1800h LST,
793km-821km, 7& 3 day subcycles,
24 days

Environmental
monitoring, physicaloceanography, ice andsnow, land surface

83 degree
inclination, initialaltitude 450km

Detection of Earthgravity field variation

GRACE

80

81

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Status

Launchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

Mission(Agency)

StatusLaunchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

Instruments

Primary
application
areas

MECB
SSR-2
(INPE)

Firm/
approved

2003
4 years

Equatorial, 0 deg
inclination,
905km, 103
mins, 0.2 days

OBA

Earth resources,
environmental
monitoring, land
surface

ESA Future
Missions(ESA)

Proposed2004
10 years

Polar andpossibly other
LEOs

MTSAT-2

Proposed2003
5 years

Geostationary

IMAGER (MTSAT)

Meteorology,
Aeronauticalapplications

Physicaloceanography, land
surface, ice and snow,
atmospheric
dynamics/water andenergy cycles

OCEAN
SAT-2
(ISRO)

Proposed2003
5 years

Sun synchronous,
720km, approx
101 mins,
approx 22 days

TBD

Ocean biology,
physical oceanography

ALADIN, ATLID,
COALA, Cloudradar, Gradiometer, GRAS,
Laser altimeter,
MASTER, MHS,MIPAS, MWR,
PRISM, Radar
altimeter, Rainradar, SAR (ESA
Future Missions),
SOPRANO, VIS/IR
imager

ALOS(NASDA)

Proposed

January
2003
3 years

Sun synchronous,
691km, 46 days

AVNIR-2,
PALSAR, PRISM(NASDA)

Cartography, digitalterrain models,environmental
monitoring, disastermonitoring, civil
planning, agriculture
and forestry, Earthresources, land surface

Jason
Follow-on(CNES)

Proposed2004
3 years

66 deginclination,
1336km, 113
mins, 10 days

DORIS-NG,
GPSDR, JMR(formerly AMR),
LRA, POSEIDON2 (aka SSALT-2

Physicaloceanography,
geodesy/gravity,
climate monitoring,
marine meteorology

ATMOS-1(ISRO)

Proposed2005
5 years

TDB

TBD

Climatology,
atmospheric research

CLIMAT
SAT-1(ISRO)

Proposed2005
5 years

TDB

TBD

Meteorology andclimatology

IRS-3(ISRO)

Proposed2005
5 years

TDB

TBD

SAR instrument for land
and marine
applications

EOS-LAM
Follow-on
missions(NASA)

Proposed2006
3 years

TBD

TBD

TBD

EOS-PM
Follow-on
missions(NASA)

Proposed2006
5 years

TBD

TBD

TBD

METOP 2(EUMETSAT)

Proposed

December2006
5 years

Polar, sunsynchronous, TBD

ASCAT,GOME-2, GRAS,
IASI, MHS

Meteorology,
Climatology

EOS-CHEM
Follow-on
missions(NASA)

Proposed2007
5 years

TBD

TBD

TBD

Mission(Agency)

Ministry of
Aeronautical
Transportation,
Control, JapanRESOURCE
SAT-2(ISRO)NOAA N(NOAA)EOS-AM
Follow-on
missions(NASA)

Proposed

Firm/
approved

Proposed

June 2003
5 years

December2003
3 years

2004
6 years

Sun synchronous,
817km, approx
101 mins,
approx 22 days

Near polar, sunsynchronous, pm
crossing, 825850km

TBD

TBD

AMSU-A,
ARGOS,AVHRR/3,
HIRS/4, MHS,
MHS, S&R(NOAA),
SBUV/2, SEM

TBD

Agriculture andforestry, disasterwarning, Earthresources,
environmental
monitoring, land
surface, ocean
biology/ocean colour
Meteorology,
agriculture andforestry, environmental
monitoring,climatology, physicaloceanography,
Volcanic eruption
monitoring, total ozone
studies, ice and snow
cover, solar flux
analysis, spaceenvironment, life-saving
capability throughSearch and Rescue
TBD

82

83

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

B Catalogue of satellite instruments

Mission(Agency)

StatusMSG 3(EUMETSAT)

Firm/
approved

Launchdate/
Duration

Orbit details

June 2007
7 years

Geostationary

Instruments

GERB, SEVIRI

Primary
application
areas
Meteorology,
Climatology,
Atmospheric
dynamics/waterand energy cycles

B.1 INTROD UCTION
This annex contains an alphabetical list of all
instruments on the missions listed in Annex A. For
each instrument the following information is given:- the mission(s) that the instrument is
expected to fly on;- the measurements that the instrument can make;- the technical characteristics of the instrument.

NOAA N'(NOAA)

Firm/
approved

July 2007
3 years

Near polar, sunsynchronous, pm
crossing, 825850km

AMSU-A,
ARGOS,AVHRR/3,
HIRS/4, MHS,
S&R (NOAA),SBUV/2, SEM

Meteorology,
agriculture andforestry, environmental
monitoring,climatology, physicaloceanography,
Volcanic eruption
monitoring, ice andsnow cover, totalozone studies, solar
flux analysis, space,environment, life-saving
capability throughSearch and Rescue

First
Converged
Spacecraft(NPOESS)(NOAA)

Firm/
approved

2009
5 years

Near polar, sunsynchronous, pm
crossing, 825850km

ARGOS, S&R(NOAA)

Meteorology,
climatology and otherenvironmental
applications

METOP 3
(EUMETSAT)

Proposed

December2010
5 years

Polar, sunsynchronous,
descending
phase, approx
840km, 101.7
mins

ASCAT, GRAS,
IASI, MHS

Meteorology,
climatology

Secondly, instruments are listed according to basic type
and within each type chronologically according to firstlaunch opportunity.

84

85

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

B.2 LIST OF SATELLITE INSTRUMENTS (ALPHABETICAL)

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

174-K

METEOR-3 N5Provides vertical profiles oftemperature, humidity and ozone

Waveband:AIRS
Advanced IR
Sounder

EOS PM-1

Provides temperature/ humidity
soundings, measurements of albedo
and reflectance, radiation budget,
land surface temperature, snow
cover

AATSR
Advanced
Along Track
Scanning
Radiometer

ENVISAT-1

Measurements of sea surface
temperature, land surface
temperature, cloud top
temperature, cloud cover, aerosols,
vegetation, atmospheric water
vapour and liquid water content

Waveband:Waveband:
Visible-SWIR: 0.4-1.7µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 1km, 1-2km
temparature and humidity
Horizontal: 50km temperatureand humidity
Accuracy:
Humidity: 20%
Reflectance: 3%
Temperature: 1K
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
1650km, cross field swath is±49.5 deg
Revisit capability: 2 days
Data rate:
1.44Mbps

ALADIN
Atmospheric
Laser Doppler
Instrument

ESA Future
Missions

Provides measurements of windcomponent in clear air, cloud top
heights, vertical distribution ofcloud, aerosol properties,
troposphere height, boundary layerheightWaveband:

ACRIM
Active Cavity
Radiometer
Irradiance
Monitor

ACRIMSAT

Measurements of solar luminosity
and solar constant. Data used asrecord of ime variation of total
solar irradiance, from extreme UV
through to infra-red

Waveband:
UV-FIR: 1nm-1µm
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
0.007 W/m2
Duty cycle:
100% (daylight only)
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
1Kbps

ALISSA
L'Atmosphere
par Lidar Sur
SalyutPRIRODA

Lidar instrument providing cloud
altimetry, boundary layer, aerosols,
cloud top altitude and aerosol
backscatter data

ACRIM II
Active Cavity
Radiometer
Irradiance
Monitor

UARS

Measurements of solar luminosity
and solar constant.Data used asrecord of ime variation of total solar
irradiance, from extreme UV
through to infra-red

Waveband:
UV-FIR:1nm-50µm
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Measures integrated flux ofsolar radiation to <0.1%
Duty cycle:
100% in daylight
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
1Kbps

Waveband:
0.532µm
Spatial resolution: 150m vertical, 1km along track.
Nadir viewing only
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
A few orbits, on several
occasions
Swath width:
FOV: 0.001rad
Data rate:
44KbpsALT
Duel-frequency
Radar
Altimeter

TOPEX/POSEIDON

Obtains precise altimeter heightmeasurements over world's oceans,
total ionospheric electron content isa by-product of the measurement

Waveband:Microwave: 5.3, 13.6GHz
Spatial resolution: 6-7km along track
Accuracy:
2.4cm altitude accuracy
Duty cycle:
Antenna shared with SSALT
Swath width:n/a - 10 day repeat cycle
Data rate:
9.2KbpsAMI-SARimage mode

ERS-1, ERS-2

All-weather images of ocean, ice
and land surfaces. Monitoring ofcoastal zones, polar ice, sea state,geological features, vegetation(including forests), land surface
processes, hydrology. Applications
also include production of digital
elevation models and interferometry

Waveband:

TIR-FIR 18µm (water absorption),13.33, 13.70, 14.24, 14.43,
14.75, 15.02µm (carbon
dioxide), 11µm (transparent),
9.6µm (ozone)
Spatial resolution: 42km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
1000kmData rate:
15KbpsVisible-NIR: 0.555, 0.659,
0.865µm, SWIR: 1.6µm, TIR:
3.7, 10.85, 12µm
Spatial resolution: IR ocean channels: 1km x 1km
Visible land channels: 1km x
1km
Accuracy:
Sea surface temperature: <0.5K
over 0.5 deg x 0.5 deg(lat/long) area with 80%
cloud coverLand surface temperature:
0.1K (relative)
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
500km
Data rate:
1Mbps

86

1 band in the range 9.1110.59µm
Spatial resolution: 0-2km alt: 200 x 200 x 0.5km
2-10km alt: 200 x 200 x 1.0km
10-15km alt: 200 x 200 x
2.0km
Accuracy:Wind velocity goals:<2m/s (0-2km alt),<6m/s (2-10km alt),<10m/s (10-15km alt)
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
45 deg conical scan
Data rate:
approx 4Mbps

5.3GHz (C-band), VV
polarisation, bandwidth 15.5
±0.06MHz
Spatial resolution: 30m
Accuracy:
10% nominal
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
100km
Data rate:
105Mbps

87

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

AMI-SARwave mode

ERS-1, ERS-2

Provides measurements of ocean
wave spectra

Waveband:

AMSU
Advanced
Microwave
Sounding Unit

EOS PM-1

Provides measurements of total
column water vapour, presence ofrain, vertical temperature profiles
up to 40km

Waveband:AMSU-A
Advanced
Microwave
Sounding
Unit ANOAA K-N'

Provides all weather night-day
temperature sounding to an altitudeof 45km

Waveband:AMSU-B
Advanced
Microwave
Sounding
Unit BNOAA K-M

Provides all weather night-day
humidity sounding

Waveband:ARGOS

NOAA 9-12,
NOAA 14,NOAA K-N',
First Converged
Spacecraft(NPOESS)

Provides location data by Doppler
measurements

Waveband:ASAR
Advanced
Synthetic
Aperture
Radar

ENVISAT 1

Provides all weather images ofocean, land and ice for monitoringof land surface processes, sea andpolar ice, sea state, and geologicaland hydrological applications

Waveband:C-bandSpatial resolution: Image, wave and alternating
polarisation modes: 30m x
30m, Wide swath mode:
100m x 100m
Global monitoring mode:
1km x 1km
Accuracy:
Radiometric resolution in range:
1.5-3.5 dB
Radiometric accuracy: 0.65 dB
Duty cycle:
20%
Swath width:
Image and alternating
polarisation modes: up to
100km
Wave mode: 5km
Wide swath and global
monitoring modes: 400km
Data rate:

AMI
scatterometermode

ERS-1, ERS-2

AMSR
Advanced
Microwave
Scanning
Radiometer-E

ADEOS IIAMSR-E
Advanced
Microwave
Scanning
Radiometer-E

EOS PM-1

5.3GHz (C-band), VV
polarisation
Spatial resolution: 30m
Accuracy:
Wave direction: 0-180 deg with180 deg ambiguity to ±20 deg
Wave length: 170m to 1000m±25%
Duty cycle:
Depends upon the use of AMI
for SAR images
Swath width:
The instrument delivers spectra
derived from SAR images of theocean surface, taken at 200km
intervals, on windows of 5km x
5km or 5km x 10km
Data rate:
370Kbps

Provides measurements of windfields at the ocean surface, winddirection (range 0-360 deg), windspeed (range 1m/s - 30m/s)

Waveband:

Provides measurements of water
vapour, cloud liquid water,
precipitation, winds, sea surface
temperature, sea ice concentration,snow cover, soil moisture

Waveband:

Provides measurements of water
vapour, cloud liquid water,
precipitation, winds, sea surface
temperature, sea ice concentration,snow cover and soil moisture

5.3GHz (C-band), VV
polarisation
Spatial resolution: Cells of 50km x 50km at 25km
intervals
Accuracy:Wind direction: ±20 deg
Wind speed: ±2m/s or 10%
Duty cycle:
Depends upon the use of AMI
for SAR images
Swath width:
500km
Data rate:
500Kbps
Microwave: 6.9, 10.65, 18.7,
23.8, 36.5, 50.3, 52.8,
89GHz
Spatial resolution: 5-50km (dependent uponfrequency)
Accuracy:
Sea surface temparature: 0.5K
Sea ice cover: 10%
Could liquid water: 0.05kg/m2
Precipitation rate: 10%
Water vapour: 3.5kg/m2
through total column
Sea surface wind speed 1.5m/s
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
1450kmData rate:
Approx 90Kbps
Waveband:Microwave: 6.9, 10.65, 18.7,
23.8, 36.5, 50.3, 52.8,
89GHz
Spatial resolution: 5-50km (dependent uponfrequency)
Accuracy:
Sea surface temparature: 0.5K
Sea ice cover: 10%
Precipitation rate: 10%
Water vapour: 3.5kg/m2
through total column
Cloud liquid water 0.05kg/m2
Sea surface wind speed 1.5m/s
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
1450kmData rate:
Approx 90Kbps

88

Microwave: 15 channels(23.8-89GHz)
Spatial resolution: Horizontal: 40km at nadir
Accuracy:
Temperature retrieval: 1K
Emissivity accuracy: 0.05
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
1650km, cross field swath is±49.5 deg
Data rate:
3.2Kbps
Microwave: 23.8, 31.4,
50.3-57.3, 89GHz
Spatial resolution: 50km at nadir
Accuracy:
2K
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Approximately 2200km(±48.3 deg)
Data rate:
3.2Kbps89, 150, 3 channels close to
183GHzSpatial resolution: 15km at nadir
Accuracy:
2K
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Approximately 2200km(±48.3 deg)
Data rate:
3.2Kbps
Uplink (data collection):
401.65MHz
Downlink: 470MHz
Spatial resolution: Location within 300m
(30m feasible on some days)
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Measurements delivered within
30 minutes or 3 hours
depending on geographicallocation
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:

89

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

ASCAT
Advanced
Scatterometer

METOP 1,METOP 2,
METOP 3

Provides sea ice cover, sea ice type
and wind speed over sea surface
measurements

Waveband:C-bandSpatial resolution: Horizontal: 50km
Accuracy:
Soil moisture: 1g per kg
Sea ice cover:.10%
Sea ice type: 4 classes
Horizontal sea surface
wind speed: 3m/s
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
2160km
Revisit capability 1.5 days
Data rate:

ATSR-2
Along Track
Scanning
Radiometer &Microwave
Sounder

ERS-2

Provides measurements of sea
surface temperature, land surface
temperature, cloud top temperatureand cloud cover, aerosols,
vegetation, atmospheric water
vapour and liquid water content

Waveband:ASTER
AdvancedSpace-borne
ThermalEmission &Reflection
Radiometer

EOS PM-1

Surface and cloud imaging withhigh spatial resolution, stereoscopic
observation of local topography,
cloud heights, volcanic plumes, andgeneration of local surface digital
elevation maps. Surface
temperature and emissivity

Waveband:

Visible-NIR: 3 channels(0.5-0.9µm), SWIR: 6 channels(1.6-2.5µm), TIR: 5 channels(8-12µm)
Spatial resolution: VNIR: 15m, stereo: 15mhorizontally and 25m vertical
SWIR: 20m, TIR: 90m
Accuracy:
VNIR and SWIR: 4% (absolute)
TIR: 4K
Geolocation: 7m
Duty cycle:
VNIR and SWIR, daylight only:
8%
TIR: 16%
Swath width:
60km at nadir, swath centre ispointable cross-track by±106km for SWIR and TIR and±314km for VNIR.
Revisit capability: 16 days
Data rate:
Average/peak: 8.3/89.2Mbps

AVHRR/2
Advanced
Very High
Resolution
Radiometer

NOAA 9,NOAA 10,NOAA 11,NOAA 12,NOAA 14

Provides measurements of land andsea surface temperature, cloud
cover, snow and ice cover, soil
moisture and vegetation indices.
Data also used for volcanic eruption
monitoring

Waveband:

AVHRR/3
Advanced
Very High
Resolution
Radiometer

NOAA K,NOAA L,NOAA M,NOAA N,NOAA N'

Provides measurements of land andsea surface temperature, cloud
cover, aerosols, snow and ice
cover, water on land, vegetation
indices, soil moisture, and albedo.
Data also used for volcanic eruption
monitoring

Waveband:

AVNIR-2
Advanced
Visible & Near
InfraredRadiometer

ALOS

High resolution multi-spectral
imager for land applications which
include environmental monitoring,
agriculture and forestry, disastermonitoring

Waveband:

ATLID
Atmospheric
Lidar

ESA Future
Missions

Provides measurements of cloud top
heights, aerosol properties,
troposphere height, vertical
distribution of cloud, boundary
layer height.

Waveband: NIR: 1.064µm
Spatial resolution: Shot spacing: <50km,
footprint: 100m (at nadir)Accuracy:
Height: ±100m
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
350km (±23.5 deg)
Data rate:
1Mbps

ATSR
Along Track
Scanning
Radiometer &Microwave
Sounder

ERS-1

Provides measurements of sea
surface temperature, land surface
temperature, cloud top temperatureand cloud cover, aerosols,
vegetation, atmospheric water
vapour and liquid water content

Waveband:

SWIR-TIR: 4 channels:1.6,
3.7, 11 and 12µm
Microwave: 23.8 and 36.5GHz(bandwidth 400MHz)
Spatial resolution: IR:1kmx1km instantaneous
field of view at nadir,conical scan
Sea surface temperature:
50x50km
Microwave near nadir viewing:
20km instantaneous field of view
Accuracy:
Sea surface temperature to<0.5K over 0.5 deg x 0.5
deg (lat/long) area with
80% cloud coverLand surface temperature: 0.1K
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
500km
Data rate:

90

Visible-SWIR: 0.65, 0.85, 1.27,
and 1.6µm
SWIR-TIR: 1.6, 3.7, 11 and12µm
Microwave: 23.8, 36.5GHz(bandwidth of 400MHz)
Spatial resolution: IR ocean channels: 1km x 1km
Microwave near-nadir viewing:
20km instantaneous field ofview
Accuracy:
Sea surface temperature to<0.5K over 0.5 deg x 0.5 deg(lat/long) area with 80% cloud
cover
Land surface temperature: 0.1K
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
500km
Data rate:
1Mbps
Visible: 0.58-0.68µm, NIR:
0.725-1.1µm, SWIR: 3.553.93µm, TIR: 10.3-11.3µm,
11.4-12.4µm
Spatial resolution: 1.1km (at nadir). Compressed
Global Area Coverage (GAC)
data recorded at 4km resolution
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
3000km (approximate), 55.4
deg scan off nadir
Data rate:
66.54Kbps for GAC,
665.4Kbps for HRPT
Visible: 0.58-0.68µm, NIR:
0.725-1.1µm, SWIR: 1.6µm,
TIR: 3.55-3.93µm, 10.311.3µm, 11.4-12.4µm
Spatial resolution: 1.1 km at nadir
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
3000km approx.
Scan off nadir: 55.4 deg
Ensures full global coverage twice daily
Data rate:
66.5Kbps for GAC,
665.4Kbps for HRPT
Visible: 3 channels: 0.420.69µm
NIR: 0.76-0.89µm
Spatial resolution: 10m
Accuracy:
Radiometric accuracy <10%
Duty cycle:
50% (max)
Swath width:
70km
Data rate:
160Mbps (max)91

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

AWiFS
Advanced
Wide-Field
SensorIRS P6 (akaRESOURCESAT-1)

Vegetation and crop monitoring,
resource assessment (regional
scale), forest mapping, land cover/land use mapping, and change
detection

Waveband:
3 channels: Visible-SWIR
Spatial resolution: 70m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
142km (all bands)
Revisit capability: 3-5 days
Data rate:
10Mbps

CCD camera(ISRO)INSAT IIe

Provides measurements of cloudtype and extent and land surface
reflectance, and used for global
land surface applications

Waveband:

BRK

Electro-GOMS N1,
Electro-GOMS N2

Data collection and communication

Waveband:Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Initiated every 30 mins
Swath width:
Data rate:
2.56Mbps

Cloud radar

ESA Future
Missions

Measures cloud characteristics
including base height

Waveband:78 or 94GHz
Spatial resolution: TBD
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
TBD
Data rate:

COALA

ESA Future
Missions

Provides high resolution
stratospheric ozone profiles

Waveband:0.25-0.35µm, 0.42-0.675µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 1km
Accuracy:
self-calibrating
Duty cycle:
Approx 25 profiles/orbit
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
5Kbps

DCP
Data
Collection
Platformtransponder

CBERS 1,
CBERS 2,MECB SCD-1,
MECB SCD-2,
MECB SCD-2A,
MECB SCD-3

Data collection and communication

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Operates only over Brazil and
China
Swath width:
Data rate:

DCS (NOAA)
Data
Collection
System

GOES 7,
GOES 8,GOES 9,GOES 10,
GOES L,
GOES M

Collects data on temperature(air/water), atmospheric pressure,humidity and wind speed/direction,
speed and direction of ocean andriver currents

Waveband:

DCS(NASDA/
CNES)
Data
Collection
SystemADEOS IIIn situ data relay

Waveband:UHF
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
400bps uplink
100bps or 200bps downlink

BSS & FSStransponders

BTVK

INSAT IIa,
NSAT IIb,
INSAT IIe

Data collection and communication

Waveband:

Visible: 0.4-0.7µm, TIR: 10.512.5µm
Spatial resolution: Visible: 1.5km, TIR: 8km
Accuracy:
Visible: 3%
TIR: 1K
Duty cycle:
24-48 observations per day
Swath width:
13,500km
Data rate:

Electro-GOMS N1,
Electro-GOMS N2

Images of cloud cover, Earth's
surface and snow and ice fields

Waveband:

Visible: 0.4-0.7µm, TIR: 10.512.5µm
Spatial resolution: Visible: 1.5km, TIR: 8km
Accuracy:
Visible: 3%
TIR: 1K
Duty cycle:
24-48 observations per day
Swath width:
13,500km
Data rate:

Camea

NIKA-Kuban

Photography of land and ocean
surfaces for large scale applications(>1:25,000)

Waveband:
Visible-NIR: 0.6-0.7µm
Spatial resolution: 2m at an altitude of 250km
using film type 48;
4m at an altitude of 250km using film type CN-18
Accuracy:
19%
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
0.43 of the orbit altitude
Data rate:

CCD camera(INPE)

CBERS 1, CBERS 2

Vegetation monitoring

Waveband:

Visible:0.45-0.52µm, 0.520.59µm, 0.63-0.69µm
NIR: 0.77-0.89µm
PAN: 0.51-0.71µm
Spatial resolution: 20m at nadir
Accuracy:
0.3 pixels
Duty cycle:
International access open to allparticipating stations, limited to
20 minutes per revolution
Swath width:
113km
Revisit capability: 26 days
Data rate:
53Mbps per channel(2 channels)

92

Visible:0.45-0.52µm,
0.52-0.59µm, 0.63-0.69µm
NIR: 0.77-0.89µm
PAN: 0.51-0.71µm
Spatial resolution: 1km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
1000km
Revisit capability: sector scan-steerable
Data rate:
800KbpsReceives data from NOAA
and GOES satellites at several
frequencies near 402MHz
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Not applicable
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable.
Point measurements specific toplatform location
Data rate:
400bps93

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

DELTA-2

OKEAN-O

Scanning microwave radiometer formeasurement of emissive
microwave radiation at
atmosphere/ sea surface interface

Waveband:Measurement of atmospheric opticalproperties in the IR range

Waveband:
SWIR-FIR: 2.4-20µm
Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Spectral resolution: 0.010.02/cm
Duty cycle:
A few orbits, on several
occasions
Swath width:
FOV: 1-2 angular minutes
Data rate:
0.6-1.0 interferogram/ sec

DOPI

PRIRODA

DORIS
Doppler
Orbitography& Radio
Positioning
Integrated bySatellite

SPOT 2, SPOT 4,TOPEX/POSEIDON

Orbit determination

DORIS-NG
Doppler
Orbitography& Radio
Positioning
Integrated bySatellite - Next
Generation

ENVISAT-1,
Jason-1,
Jason Follow-on,
SPOT 5

Precise orbit determination
Real time onboard orbit
determination (navigation)

DRT-S&R

INSAT IIa,
INSAT IIb,
INSAT IIe

Relay of search and rescue
information

Technical characteristics
Microwave: 7, 13, 22.5,
36.5GHz (2 polarisations)

Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
2600kmData rate:

Dual frequency Doppler at
401 and 2036MHz
Spatial resolution: 0.3mm/s on Doppler
measurement, one
measurement every 10 seconds
Accuracy:
0.3mm on Doppler measurement
2-4cm RMS on the satellite
altitude<2cm RMS on ground beacon
absolute positioning
Duty cycle:
100% operating
network visibility > 80%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
32bps

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

EOSP
Earth
Observation &Scanning
Radiometer

TBD

Atmospheric corrections for clearsky ocean and land observations,cloud and aerosol properties. Data
to provide global maps of radianceand linear polarisation andinformation on global aerosol
distribution and optical thickness inthe troposphere and stratospere,and optical thickness and phase ofcloudsWaveband:
Visible-SWIR: 0.41-2.25µm
Spatial resolution: 10km at nadir
Accuracy:
5% spectral bidirectionalreflectance function distribution
0.2% polarisation
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Limb to limb scan (±65 deg)
Revisit capability: 2 days
Data rate:
Average/peak: 44/88Kbps

ERBE
Earth’sRadiation
BudgetExperiment

NOAA 9,NOAA 10

Measures Earth radiation gains
and losses on regional, zonal
and global scales

Waveband:

ETM+
Enhanced
Thematic
MapperLANDSAT 7

Measures surface radiance andemittance, land cover state andchange (eg vegetation type).
Used as multi-purpose imagery forland applications

Waveband:

Gemma

NIKA-Kuban

Photography of land and ocean
surfaces at scales of 1:100,000
and greater

Waveband:

GERB
Geostationary
Earth
Radiation
Budgetinstrument

MSG 1, MSG 2,
MSG 3

Measures long and short wave
radiation emitted and reflected fromthe Earth's surface, clouds and top
of atmosphere

Waveband:Waveband:Waveband:

Dual frequency Doppler at 401
and 2036MHz
Spatial resolution: One measurement every 10
seconds
Accuracy:
0.3mm on Doppler
measurement, 2-4cm RMS on
the satellite altitude, <2cm RMS
on ground beacon absolute
positioning, <5m RMS (on the
3D components) real time
onboard orbit determination
Duty cycle:
100%. Operating
network visibility > 80%(from orbit)
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:<100bpsWaveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:

94

Visible: 0.5-0.7µm, UV-SWIR:
0.2-4µm, UV-FIR: 0.2-50µm,
TIR: 10.5-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: 200-250km at the Earth's
surface for non scanningradiometer 50km at nadir forscanning radiometer
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
3000kmData rate:
Visible-TIR: 8 channels:
0.45-12.5µm
Panchromatic channel:
0.52-0.9µm
Spatial resolution: Panchromatic band: 15m
Visible, NIR and SWIR: 30m
TIR: 60m
Accuracy:
5%
Duty cycle:
30%
Swath width:
185km
Data rate:
150Mbps
Visible-NIR: 0.5-0.54µm,
0.53-0.57µm, 0.542-0.565µm,
0.58-0.62µm, 0.61-0.68µm,
0.66-0.68µm, 0.71-0.77µm,
0.735-0.765µm, 0.81-0.87µm
Spatial resolution: 3-5m at an altitude of 250km
using film type 92; 6-8m at analtitude of 250km using film
type CN-18
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
19%
Swath width:
0.43 of the orbit altitude
Data rate:
UV-SWIR: 0.2-4µm,
SWIR-FIR: 4-50µm
Spatial resolution: 50km at SSP
Accuracy:
Emitted radiation: 0.12-1.3
W/m2
Reflectance: 1%
Duty cycle:
Full disk every 15 minutes1 hour
Swath width:
Full Earth Disk
Data rate:

95

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

GIS
Grating
Imaging
Spectrometer

NMP EO-1

Hyperspectral measurements forland and marine applications
research and development

Waveband:GOME-2Global Ozone
Monitoring
Experiment-2

METOP 1,METOP 2

Measures cloud top height,
outgoing radiation and solar
irradiance at top of atmosphere.
Trace gas profiles of aerosols,ozone, humidity, and BrO2, CIO,
CIONO2, NO and NO2

Waveband:

GLAS
Geoscience
Laser
Altimeter
System

EOS LAM-1

Provision of data on ice sheetheight/thickness, land altitude,
aerosol height distributions, cloudheight and boundary layer height

Waveband:
Visible-NIR: 0.532, 1.064µm
Spatial resolution: Along track: 70m spots
separated by 188m
Accuracy:
Ice elevation: 20cm, Cloud top
height: 75m, Land elevation:
20cm, geoid: 5m
Duty cycle:
50% average, 100% capability
Swath width:
Nadir viewing
Revisit capability: 182 days
Data rate:<200Kbps

GOMOS
Global Ozone
Monitoring by
Occultation ofStars

ENVISAT-1

Provides stratospheric profiles of
temparature and of ozone, NO2,
H20, aerosols and other trace
species

Waveband:GPS
receiver

FedSat-1

Sounding data for study of physics
of upper atmoshpere, and water
vapour, temparature and refractivity
profilesWaveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:

GPSDR
GPS
Demonstration
ReceiverTOPEX/POSEIDON
Jason-1,
Jason Follow-on

Provides precise continuous tracking
data of satellite to decimeter
accuracy

Waveband:1227.6MHz and 1575.4MHz
Spatial resolution: 0.1m
Accuracy:
4cm on satellite altitude
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Data rate:
700bpsGRACE
Gravity
Recovery And
ClimateExperiment

ESSP-IB (aka
GRACE)

Measures gravity field strength andvariation

Waveband:Gradiometer

ESA Future
Missions

GLI
Global Imager

GOME
Global Ozone
Monitoring
Experiment

ADEOS II

ERS-2

Measures water vapour, aerosols,
cloud cover, cloud top height andtemparature, ocean colour, sea
surface temperature, land surface
temparature, glacier extent,
icebergs, sea ice and snow cover,photosynthetically active radiation,
vegetation type and land cover

Measures concentration of O3,
NO, NO2, BrO, H2O, O2/O4,
plus aerosols and polar
stratospheric clouds, and othergases in special conditions

Visible-VNIR: VNIR: 100
channels in range 0.4-1.0µm
SWIR: 133 channels in range
0.9-2.5µm
Spatial resolution: Panchromatic: 10m
Multispectral: 30m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Data rate:

Waveband:

Visible-NIR: 23 channels(0.375-12.5µm), SWIR: 7channels, TIR: 9 channels
Spatial resolution: TIR: 7 channels: 1km
Visible/NIR/SWIR channels:
250m-1km
Accuracy:Specific humidity profile:
0.5g/m2 through total column
Temparature:surface 0.4-0.5K, cloud top
0.5K
Cloud cover: 3%
Cloud top height: 0.5km
Ice and snow cover: 5%
Duty cycle:
100% (approx 50% for some
visible/NIR channels)
Swath width:
1600kmData rate:
1km mode: approx 4Mbps,
250m mode: approx 60Mbps
6km subsample mode for direct
UHF transmission to local users:
approx 23Kbps
Waveband:

UV-NIR: 0.24-0.79µm (resolution
0.2-0.4nm)
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 5km (for O3)
Horizontal: 40 x 40 km to
40 x 320 km
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:120-960 km
Data rate:
40Kbps96

UV-NIR: 0.24-0.79µm(resolution 0.2-0.4nm)
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 5km
Horizontal: 160km
Outgoing radiation andirradiance: 250km
Accuracy:
Cloud top height: 1km (rms)
Outgoing short wave radiationand solar irradiance: 5W/m2
Trace gas profile: 10-20%
Specific humidity profile:
10-50g/kg
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Revisit capability 36 hours. Solar irradiance:
36 days
Data rate:
UV-Visible: 0.25-0.675µm
NIR: 0.756-0.773µm,
0,926-0.952µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 1km
Accuracy:
Self-calibrating
Duty cycle:
50% (for observations)night-side
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:

K/Ka-band antenna, upwardlooking L1/L2-band antenna

Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Revisit capability: 15 days
Data rate:
Provides high resolution data on
geoid and derived data on timeinvariant mean component of ocean
currents. Also provides improved
reference surface data for theworld-wide height system and forvertical ice and land movements,
and gravity field data for study oftectonic processes and the ocean
lithosphere

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Approx 100km
Accuracy:
Approx 2-5cm at 100km
wavelength, < 1cm at 1000km
wavelength
Duty cycle:
Continuous operation for 8
monthsSwath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
1-2Kbps

97

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

GRAS

METOP 1,METOP 2,
METOP 3

GNSS receiver for atmosphericsounding

Waveband:
SWIR-TIR
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 1km
Horizontal: 300km
Accuracy:Specific humidity profile: 10%
Temparature: 1-2K
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Revisit capability: 5 days
Data rate:

HR PANHigh
Resolution
Panchromatic
instrument

IRS P5 (aka
CARTOSAT-1)

High resolution stereo images forlarge scale (better than 1:10,000)
applications

Waveband:
Panchromatic: visible region
Spatial resolution: 2.5m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
30km
Revisit capability: 26 days
Data rate:
210Mbps

HRDI
High
Resolution
Doppler
Imager

UARS

Daytime wind measurements below
50km from Doppler shifts ofmolecular oxygen absorption lines.
Day and night wind measurements
above about 60km from Doppler
shifts of neutral and ionised atomic
oxygen emission lines. Also
measures temperature

Waveband:
Visible-NIR: 0.557-0.776µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical (limb): 4km
Horizontal (limb): 80km
Accuracy:
Daytime wind measurements:
5m/s or better
Day and night: 15m/s or better
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
5 to 100km (vertical coverage)
Data rate:
4.75Kbps

HRG
High
Resolution
Geometry

SPOT 5High resolution multispectral
mapper. 2 HRG instruments on thismission can be processed to
produce simulated imagery of
2.5m. Images are 60km x 60km in
size

Waveband:

HRV
High
Resolution
VisibleSPOT 1, SPOT 2

2 HRV instruments on this mission
provide 60km x 60km images for arange of land and coastal
applications

Waveband:

HRVIR
High
Resolution
Visible & IR

SPOT 4

2 HRVIR instruments on this mission
provide 60km x 60km images for arange of land and coastal
applications

Waveband:

HALOE
HalogenOccultation
Experiment

UARS

Provides data on vertical
distributions of hydrofluoric andhydrochloric acids, methane, water
vapour and members of thenitrogen family. It also provides
atmospheric temperature versus
pressure profiles from observationsof carbon dioxide

Waveband:
SWIR: 2.43 µm, TIR: 10.25µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical (limb): approx 4.5km
Horizontal (limb): about 300km
along limb tangent path
Accuracy:
10-30%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
6-150km (vertical limb
coverage)
Data rate:
4Kbps

HiRDLSEOS CHEM-1
High
Resolution
Dynamics Limb
Sounder

Measures atmospheric temperature,
concentrations of ozone, water
vapour, methane, NOx, N2O,
CFCs and other minor species,
aerosol concentration, location ofpolar stratospheric clouds andcloud tops

Waveband:
TIR: 6.12-17.76µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 1km
Horizontal: 400km x 400km
Averaging volume for each data
sample is 1km vertical x 10km
across x 400km along line-of-sight
Accuracy:
Trace gas: 10%
Temparature: 1K
Ozone: 10%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
6 profiles across 2000-3000km
Data rate:
50Kbps average, 100Kbps peak

HIRS/2High
Resolution
Limb Sounder

EOS CHEM-1

Measures atmospheric temperature,
concentrations of ozone, water
vapour, methane, NOx, N2O,
CFCs and other minor species,
aerosol concentration, location ofpolar stratospheric clouds andcloud tops

Waveband:
TIR: 6.12-17.76µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 1km
Horizontal: 400km x 400km
Averaging volume for each data
sample is 1km vertical x 10km
across x 400km along line-of-sight
Accuracy:
Trace gas: 10%
Temparature: 1K
Ozone: 10%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
6 profiles across 2000-3000km
Data rate:
50Kbps average, 100Kbps peak

HIRS/3High
Resolution
Limb Sounder

NOAA K,NOAA L,NOAA M

Provides atmospheric temperature
profiles and data on cloudparameters, humidity soundings,
water vapour, total ozone content,
and surface temperatures

Waveband:HIRS/4High
Resolution
Limb Sounder

NOAA N,NOAA N'

Provides atmospheric temperature
profiles and data on cloudparameters, humidity soundings,
water vapour, total ozone content,
and surface temperatures

Waveband:

VNIR: 0.69µm, TIR: 3.764.57µm, 6.72-14.95µm(20 channels)
Spatial resolution: 20km at nadir
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
2240kmData rate:
2.28Kbps
VNIR: 0.69µm, TIR: 3.764.57µm, 6.72-14.95µm(20 channels)
Spatial resolution: 10km at nadir
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
2240kmData rate:
2.28Kbps

98

Visible: 0.55, 0.61-0.68,
0.64µmNIR-SWIR: 0.78-0.89µm,
0.85µm, 1.5-1.7µm
Panchromatic: 0.5-0.75µm
Spatial resolution: Panchromatic: 5m
Multispectral: 10m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Daylight coverage only
Swath width:
60km (1 instrument), 117km(2 instruments). Same as SPOT
4 with off-track steering
capability (±27 deg)
Data rate:>50Mbps for 2 instruments
Visible: 0.5-0.59, 0.61-0.68µm
NIR: 0.79-0.89µm
Panchromatic: 0.51-0.73µm
Spatial resolution: 10m (panchromatic) or 20m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Daylight coverage only. World
wide coverage (on board taperecorder). 26 day orbital cycle.
100% in daylight
Swath width:
117km (ie 60km + 60km with
3km overlap) - steerable up to±27 deg off-track
Revisit capability (1 to 4 days at mid latitude)
Data rate:
25Mbps each instrument
Visible: 0.50-0.59µm, 0.610.68µm, NIR: 0.79-0.89µm,
SWIR: 1.5-1.7µm
Spatial resolution: 10m (0.64µm) or 20m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Daylight coverage only (world
wide coverage using on board
tape recorder) 100% in
daylight. 26 days orbital cycle
Swath width:
117km (ie 60km + 60km with
3km overlap). Steerable up to±27 deg off-track
Revisit capability: 1 to 4 days at mid-latitude
Data rate:
25Mbps each instrument99

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

HSB
Humidity
Sounder for
BrazilEOS PM-1

Humidity soundings forclimatological and atmospheric
dynamics applications

Waveband:

ILAS-II
Improved Limb
AtmosphericSpectrometer

ADEOS II

Measures minor trace gas species
at high latitudes, in the altitude
range 10-60km (O3, CH4, NO2,
N2O, H2O, CFC11, HNO3,CIONO2, N2O5, aerosols,
temparature, pressure)

Waveband:IASI
Infra-redAtmosphericSounding
Interferometer

METOP 1,METOP 2,
METOP 3

Measures tropospheric moisture andtemperature, column integrated
contents of ozone, carbon
monoxide, methane, dinitrogenoxide and other minor gases which
affect tropospheric chemistry. Also
measures sea surface and land
temperature

Waveband:

IMAGER(GOES)

GOES 8,GOES 9,GOES 10,
GOES 11,
GOES 12

Measures cloud cover, atmosphericradiance, winds, atmosphericstability, rainfall estimates. Used toprovide severe storm warnings/
monitoring day and night (type,amount, storm features)

Waveband:

Used for investigations of oceanatmosphere system. Measures sea
surface temperature, wind speed,
precipitable water content, cloudliquid water content and rain rate

Waveband:

IMAGERMTSAT,(NASDA/MT) MTSAT-2

Measures cloud cover, cloud
motion, cloud height, water vapour,rainfall, sea surface temparatureand Earth radiation

Waveband:Imaging
spectrometer

ARIES-1

Multispectral data for Earthresources, agriculture and forestry,water resources and vegetation
studies

Waveband:IR imager

Odin

Atmospheric sounder measurementsof albedo, aerosols, ozone andtemparature profiles

Waveband:
NIR: 1.26, 1.27, 1.28µm
Spatial resolution: Approx 1km/pixel
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
50% maximum (half of mission
for astronomy)
Swath width:
Data rate:
A few Mbyte/orbit

IKAR-DIKAR-NIKAR-PPRIRODAPRIRODAPRIRODA

Used for investigations of oceanatmosphere system. Measures sea
surface temperature, wind speed,
precipitable water content, cloudliquid water content and rain rate

Used for investigations of oceanatmosphere system. Measures sea
surface temperature, wind speed,
precipitable water content, cloudliquid water content and rain rate

Channel 1: 150GHz
Channel 2: 183.3GHz ±1GHz
Channel 3: 183.3GHz ±3GHz
Channel 4: 183.3GHz ±7GHz
Spatial resolution: 13.5km
Accuracy:
Channel 1: 1K
Channel 2: 1.2K
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
1650km
Revisit capabiltiy: 2 days
Data rate:
4.2Kbps
SWIR-TIR: 3.4-15.5µm withgaps at 5µm and 9µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 1-30km
Horizontal: 25km
Accuracy:
Temparature: 0.5-2K
Specific humidity: 0.1-0.3g/kg
Ozone, trace gas proflie: 10%
Duty cycle:
100%
Observing cycle: 12 hrs
Swath width:
2230km
Revisit capability: 5 days
Data rate:
1.5Mbps
Microwave: 0.8, 1.35 and2.25cmSpatial resolution: 5, 15 and 25km respectively(at 400km altitude)
Accuracy:
5-7%
Duty cycle:
A few orbits, on several
occasions
Swath width:
420km (at 400km altitude)
Data rate:
8Kbps
Waveband:Microwave: 0.8, 1.35 and2.25cmSpatial resolution: 5, 15 and 25km respectively(at 400km altitude)
Accuracy:
5-7%
Duty cycle:
A few orbits, on several
occasions
Swath width:
420km (at 400km altitude)
Data rate:
8Kbps
Waveband:Microwave 2.25cm (3 channels)
and 6cm (5 channels)
Spatial resolution: 75km (at 400km altitude)
Accuracy:
3-5%
Duty cycle:
A few orbits, on several
occasions
Swath width:
750km (at 400km altitude)
Data rate:
1Kbps

100

Visible: 0.753-0.784µm
TIR: 3.0-5.7µm, 6.21-11.76µm,
12.78-12.85µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 1km
Temparature, aerosols, pressure:
2km (horiz)
CIONO2: 21.7km (horiz)
Others: 13km (horiz)
Accuracy:
Temparature: 0.2K
Pressure: 1%
Aerosol: 2%
Ozone: 3-5%
Other trace gases: 2-25%
Duty cycle:
Every occultation
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
450Kbps
GOES I-L: Visible: 1 channel(8 detectors), IR: 4 channels:
3.9, 6.7, 10.7 and 12µm
GOES M: Visible: 1 channel (8detectors), IR: 4 channels: 3.9,
6.7, 10.7 and 13.3µm
Spatial resolution: 1km in visible 4km in IR(8km for 13.3µm band
(water vapour))
Accuracy:
Earth location accuracy <4km
Duty cycle:
100% except during eclipse
seasonSwath width:
Horizon to horizon
Data rate:
2.11 Mbps (GVAR)
Visible: 0.55-0.80µm
TIR: 3.5-4µm, 6.5-7µm, 10.311.3µm, 11.5-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: Visible: 1km
TIR: 4km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Full Earth disk every hour
Swath width:
Full Earth disk
Data rate:
2.6Mbps
Visible-NIR: 32 contiguous
wavebands (0.6-1.1µm)
SWIR: 32 contiguous wavebands(2.0-2.5µm) (Wavebands
between 1.0-2.0µm foratmospheric correction andcalibration - optional)
Spatial resolution: 30m at nadir
Accuracy:
0.4-1.1µm: minumum 600:1
SNR
2.0-2.5µm:400:1 SNR at 2.1µm
Duty cycle:
Programmable
Swath width:
15km
Data rate:
150Mbps by X-band downlink

101

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

IRMSS
IR MultiSpectral
Scanner

CBERS 1, CBERS 2

Used for fire detection, fire extent
and temperature measurement

Waveband:

Visible-NIR: 0.5-1.1µm, NIR:
1.55-1.75µm, SWIR: 2.082.35µm, TIR: 10.4-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: Visible, NIR, SWIR: 80m
TIR: 160m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
International access open to allparticipating stations, limited to
20 minutes per revolution
Swath width:
19.5km
Revisit capability: 26 days
Data rate:
6.13Mbps

ISP-2M

Resource-01 N4

Measures solar radiation flux

Waveband:
UV-FIR: 0.2-50µm
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
0.01% (meanday accuracy)
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Data rate:

ISTOK-1
Infra-redSpectrometer

PRIRODA

Spectral measurements of thermal
emission of atmosphere and ofunderlying Earth surface at avariety of incident angles as well as
measurements of transmission
spectra of atmosphere while
tracking the Sun

Waveband:
SWIR-FIR: 4-8 and 8-16µm
Spatial resolution: 0.6-2km (along track)
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
A few orbits, on several
occasions
Swath width:
FOV: 6.5 x 26 angular minutes
Data rate:
8Kbps

Provides altimeter data to correct
for errors caused by water vapour
and cloud-cover. Also measures
total water vapour and brightness
temperature

Waveband:Microwave: 18.24 and 34GHz
Spatial resolution: 45km at 18GHz, 37km at
24GHz, 24km at 34GHz
Accuracy:
Total water vapour: 0.2g/sq cm
Brightness temperature: 1K
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
120 deg cone centred on nadir
Data rate:
125bpsJMR
Jason-1,(formerly AMR) Jason Follow-on
Jason
Microwave
Radiometer

KFA-1000Resource-F1M
seriesPhotography of land and ocean
surfaces

Waveband:
Visible-NIR: 0.57-0.8µm
Spatial resolution: 6m at an altitude of 235km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
12%
Swath width:
0.3 of the orbit altitude
Data rate:

KFA-200

Resource-F1M
seriesPhotography of land and ocean
surfaces

Waveband:
Visible: 0.6-0.7µm
Spatial resolution: 23m at an altitude of 235km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
12%
Swath width:
0.9 of the orbit altitude
Data rate:

KFA-3000Resource-F3 series

Photography of land and ocean
surfaces for use at 1:25000 scale
and below

Waveband:
Visible: 0.6-0.7µm
Spatial resolution: 3m at an altitude of 275km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
12%
Swath width:
0.1 of the orbit altitude
Data rate:

KGI-4

METEOR-3M N2

Measures particle flux andelectromagnetic emissions

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable. Electron flux
density range: 0.15-2.0MeV,
proton flux density range: 590MeV, gamma ray flux density
range: 0.1-1.0MeV
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100% (103 mins or 1 coil)
Swath width:
12 seconds
Data rate:

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

KGI-4 CMETEOR-3M N1

Measures particle flux andelectromagnetic emissions

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable. Electron flux
density range: 0.15-2.0MeV,
proton flux density range: 590MeV
Accuracy:
0.15-0.5K
Duty cycle:
100% (103 mins or 1 coil)
Swath width:
12 seconds
Data rate:

KlimatMETEOR-3M N1

Provides images of cloud, ice andsnow. Measures sea surface
temparature

Waveband:
TIR: 10.5-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: 3 x 3km at nadir
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
3100kmData rate:

KONDOR-2

Ocean-01 N7,
OKEAN-O

Data collection and communication

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Passive satellites
Swath width:
600km coverage
Data rate:
200bpsLaser
altimeter

ESA Future
Missions

Provide measurements of sea ice
surface roughness, thickness, ice
sheet elevation and land
topography

Waveband:1.06µmSpatial resolution: 100m
Accuracy:
Vertical: 2cm (vertical
repeatability 10cm)
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
100kbpsLaser
cornercube
reflectors

LAGEOS I,
LAGEOS II

Provide data on Earth crust motion

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Passive satellite
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
Not applicableLaser
reflectors

STELLA

Measures distance between thesatellite and the laser tracking
stations

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Passive satellite - tracking invisibility of any laser station
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
Not applicable

LATI
LandsatAdvanced
Technology
Instrument

TBD

Provision of data for Earth resource
applications (renewable and nonrenewable), civil planning andmapping, vegetation type, surface
radiance and emittance, landcoverstate and land cover change

Waveband:

102

Visible-TIR: 0.45-12.5µm(number of spectral bands,
including 1 panchromatic band
between 0.52 and 0.90, to be
decided)Spatial resolution: Panchromatic: 15m
Visible, NIR and SWIR: 30m
TIR: 60m (band may be deleted)
Accuracy:
5%
Duty cycle:
30%
Swath width:
185km (may be achieved with 2
instruments) 16 day revisit time
Data rate:
150Mbps (TBD)

103

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

LEO
MECB SCD-3
communicationtransponder

LIDAR

Light SAR

LISLightning
Imaging
Sensor

MDS-2

Light SAR

TRMM

LISS IIRS 1a, IRS 1b
Linear Imaging
Self-ScanningsystemLidar measurements of clouds andaerosols

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:

LISS IV
Linear Imaging
Self-ScanningsystemIRS P5 (aka
CARTOSAT-1),
IRS P6 (akaRESOURCESAT-1)

High resolution multispectral datafor cartography and land
applications

Waveband:

LRA
Laser
Retroflector
Array

TOPEX/POSEIDON
Jason-1,
Jason Follow-on

Provides baseline tracking data for
precision orbit determination andcalibration of radar altimeter bias

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
2cm overhead ranging
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
Not applicable

Magnetomet FedSat-1
er andadvancedcommunicati
ons payload

Part of FedSat-1 payload to provide
data for upper atmosphere andmeteorology research

Waveband:0.1-1.0Hz
Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Data rate:
0.8-1Kbps

Magnetometry
package

CHAMP

Magnetometer for measuring thestrength and variation of the Earth's
magnetic field

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Data rate:
3570bps

MASTERESA Future
Missions

Provide data for study of exchangemechanisms between stratosphereand troposphere, andcomplementary information forstudies on global change. Measures
upper troposphere/ lower
stratosphere profiles of O3, H2O,
CO, HNO3, SO2, N2O, pressure
and temperature

Waveband:

MERIS
MediumResolution
Imaging
Spectrometer

ENVISAT 1

Main objective is monitoring marine
biophysical and biochemicalparameters. Secondary objectives
are related to atmosphericproperties such as cloud and water
vapour and to vegetation conditions
on land surfaces

Waveband:Waveband:
0.527µm, 1.053µm,
Spatial resolution: 1.5km at nadir
Accuracy:
100m (altitude, cloud detection)
Duty cycle:
25% (TBD)
Swath width:
1.5km
Data rate:
85Kbps max

All weather images of land surface
features, and land and ice
topography

Waveband:Microwave
Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Data rate:

Global distribution and variabilityof total lightning. Data can be
related to rainfall to studyhydrological cycle

Waveband:

Provides data for: monitoring landuse/ land cover, forest cover,coastal zones and wastelands;
identification of prospective groundwater zones; and crop acreage
and production estimation forwheat, rice, sorghum, cotton,
groundnut, tobacco, etc

Waveband:

NIR: 0.7774µm onto a CCD
array
Spatial resolution: 4km at nadir
Accuracy:
90% day and night detection
probability
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
FOV: 80 x 80 deg
Data rate:
6Kbps
Visible: 0.46-0.52µm,
0.52-0.59µm, 0.62-0.68µm
NIR: 0.77-0.86µm
Spatial resolution: 72.5m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Daylight coverage 100%
Swath width:
148km
Revisit capability: 22 days for individual satellite,
11 days effectively for
IRS1a/1b together
Data rate:
5.2Mbps

LISS IIIRS 1a, IRS 1b,
Linear Imaging IRS P2
Self-ScanningsystemData used for vegetation typeassessment, resource assessment,
crop stress detection, crop
production forecasting, forestry, andfor monitoring land use and land
cover change

Waveband:

Visible: 0.46-0.52µm, 0.520.59µm, 0.62-0.68µm
NIR: 0.77-0.86µm
Spatial resolution: 32 x 37m
Output sampled to 3.6m
compatible to IRS-1a/1b
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
All day time passes
Swath width:
132km
Revisit capability: 24 days
Data rate:
2 x 10.4Mbps

LISS IIIIRS 1c, IRS 1d
Linear Imaging
Self-ScanningsystemData used for vegetation typeassessment, resource assessment,
crop stress detection, crop
production forecasting, forestry,land use and land cover change

Waveband:

Visible: Band 2: 0.52-0.59µm,
band 3: 0.62-0.68µm
NIR: Band 4: 0.77-0.86µm
SWIR: Band 5: 1.55-1.75µm
Spatial resolution: Bands 2, 3 & 4: 23.5m, Band
5: 70.5m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Daylight coverage 100%
Swath width:
Bands 2, 3 & 4: 142km, band
5: 148km
Revisit capability 24 days
Data rate:
42.45 Mbps

104

Visible (green, red), NIR and
SWIR
Spatial resolution: About 10m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
40km
Revisit capability: 22 days
Data rate:
70 Mbps

Microwave: 199-207, 296306, 318-326, 342-348GHz
Spatial resolution: 3km
Accuracy:
199-207GHz channel: 1K
Other channels: 1.5K, 50MHz
resolution, 0.3 secs integrationtime
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
0.5Mbps
Visible-NIR: 15 bands selectable
across range: 0.4-1.05µm(bandwidth programmablebetween 0.0025 and 0.03µm)
Spatial resolution: 300m or 1200m at SSP
Accuracy:
Ocean colour bands typical
S:N = 1700
Duty cycle:
Full resolution mode (300m at
SSP) up to 25%
Low resolution mode (1.2km at
SSP) 80% of orbit
Operates only above 10 deg
solar elevation
Swath width:
1150km giving global
coverage every 3 days
Data rate:
Full resolution mode (no onboard
storage) 24Mbps
Low resolution mode 1.7Mbps

1051997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

MHS
Microwave
Humidity
Sounder

METOP 1,METOP 2,
METOP 3,NOAA N,NOAA N'ESA Future
Missions

Provides atmospheric humidity
profiles, cloud cover, cloud liquid,water content, ice boundaries andprecipitation data

Waveband:

MK-4

Resource-F2 series

Photography of land and ocean
surfaces in 4 out of 6 channels

Waveband:

MIPAS
Michelson
Interferometric
Passive
AtmosphericSounder

ENVISAT 1, ESA
Future Missions

Provides data on chemistry ofstratosphere (global and polarozone), climate research (global
distribution of trace gases andclouds), transport dynamics,
tropospheric chemistry.
Primary/secondary species
measured are: O3, NO, NO2,
HNO3, N2O5, ClONO2, CH4

Waveband:MK-4M

Resource-F2 series

Photography of land and ocean
surfaces in 4 spectral channels

Waveband:

MISR
Multi-angle
Imaging
SpectroRadiometer

EOS AM-1

Provides measurements of global
surface albedo, aerosol andvegetation properties. Also provides
multi-angle bidirectional data (1%angle-to-angle accuracy) for cloud
cover and reflectances at thesurface and aerosol opacities

Waveband:MLS(EOS-CHEM)
Microwave
Limb Sounder

EOS CHEM-1

Measures lower stratospherictemperature and concentration of
H2O, O3, ClO, HCl, OH, HNO3,
N2O and SO2

Waveband:MIVZA

METEOR-3M N1,
METEOR-3M N2

Microwave radiometer for
temparature sounding of
atmosphere

Waveband:Microwave:1.5, 0.86, 0.32cm
Spatial resolution: 20-80km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
1500kmData rate:

MLS(UARS)
Microwave
Limb Sounder

UARS

Provides data on emissions ofchlorine monoxide, water vapour
and ozone. Data also used for
determination of atmosphericpressure and temperatures as afunction of altitude fromobservations of molecular oxygen
emissions

Waveband:Microwave: 63,183, 205GHz
Spatial resolution: Vertical (limb): 4km
Horizontal (limb): 400km approx
Accuracy:
5-25%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Operating mode changed tolook at 18km on limb, insteadof the normal 15-85km, with fullvertical scans on occasion
Data rate:
1.25Kbps

Microwave:89, 166GHz
and 3 channels near 183Ghz
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 3-7km
Horizontal: 30-50km
Accuracy:
Cloud water profile: 10g/m2
Specific humidity profile: 10-20%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
1650kmData rate:
4.2Kbps
IR bands between 4.15 and14.6µmSpatial resolution: Vertical resolution: 3km,
vertical scan range 5-100km
Horizontal: 30km x 300 km
Spectral resolution: 0.025
lines/cm
Accuracy:
Radiometric precision: 685-970
cm-1: 1%, 2410 cm-1: 3%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
620Kbps
Visible: 0.44, 0.56, 0.67µm
NIR: 0.86µm
Spatial resolution: 240m, 480m, 960m or 1.92km
Summation modes available on
selected cameras/bands: 1x1,
2x2, 4x4, 1x4. 1 pixel = 275m
x 275m
Accuracy:
0.03% hemispherical albedo
10% aerosol opacity
1-2% angle to angle accuracy
in bidirectional reflectance
Duty cycle:
50%
Swath width:
Unedited, nadir camera: 370km
Unedited, non-nadir cameras:
408km
Revisit capability: 2 days
Data rate:
Average/peak: 3.3/9.0Mbps

106

Visible-NIR: 0.435-0.68µm,
0.46-0.51µm, 0.515-0.565µm,
0.64-0.69µm, 0.61-0.75µm,
0.81-0.86µm
Spatial resolution: 10m at an altitude of 240km,
film type 30M;
14m at an altitude of 240km,
film type SN-10
Accuracy:
Relative photometric accuracy±5%
Duty cycle:
19%
Swath width:
0.6 of the orbit altitude
Data rate:
Not applicable
Visible-NIR: 0.52-0.56µm,
0.61-0.76µm, 0.64-0.69µm,
0.81-0.87µm
Spatial resolution: 6m at an altitude of 240km,
film type 92
9m at an altitude of 240km, film
type SN-18
Accuracy:
Relative photometric accuracy±5%
Duty cycle:
19% max
Swath width:
0.6 of the orbit altitude
Data rate:
Microwave: 215, 310,
640GHz and 2.5THz
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 1.5km (2.5GHz)
to 4.0km (215GHz)
Horizontal: 10km
Spectral resolution 1MHz
Accuracy:
Temparature: 4K
Ozone: 50%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Limb scan 2.5 - 62.5km
Limb to limb
Revisit capability: 2 days
Data rate:
100Kbps107

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

MODIS
Moderate
Resolution
Imaging
Spectroradiometer

EOS AM-1,
EOS PM-1

Provision of data on biological andphysical processes on the surface of
the Earth and in the lower
atmosphere, and on global
dynamics. Measures surface
temperatures of land and ocean,chlorophyll fluorescence, land
surface cover measurements(vegetation and snow), cloud cover(day and night), and cloud andaerosol properties

Waveband:

Visible-TIR: 36 bands in range
0.4-14.4µm
Spatial resolution: Cloud cover: 250m (day) and
1000m (night)
Surface temperature: 1000m
Accuracy:Long wave radiance:
100nW/m2
Short wave radiance: 5%
Surface temperature of land: <1K
Surface temperature of ocean:<0.2K
Snow and ice cover: 10%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
2300km at 110 deg (±55 deg).
Revisit capability: daylight reflection andday/night emission spectral
imaging at least every 2 days
Data rate:
2.5-11Mbps (average 6.2Mbps)
Waveband:

MOMS-2P
PRIRODA
Modular Optoelectronic
Multispectral
Scanner

MOPITT
Measurementsof Pollutants intheTroposphere

EOS AM-1

MOS
IRS P3(IRS P3)
Modular Optoelectronic
Scanning
Spectrometer

Provides data for topographic andland applications. Instrument can be
operated in 4 different modes:
1) full stereo with high resolution2) multispectral, all four bands3) high resolution and 3 spectral
bands4) 2 multispectral bands plus fore
and aft stereo

Measurements of greenhouse gases(CO, methane) in the troposhere

Data used for spectral analysis of
O2 absorption in the NIR band,
Vegetation index, Condition of soil
and vegetation

MS: Visible-NIR: 0.44-0.505µm,
0.53-0.575µm, 0.645-0.68µm,
0.77-0.76µm
HR & ST: Panchromatic: 0.520.76µm
Spatial resolution: MS: 15.9-18m
HR: 5.3-6m
ST: 15.9-18m (within 350400km altitude range)
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
5-10 minutes of data per day
on average over 18 months
starting mid 1996
Swath width:
MS: 92-105km, HR: 44-50km,
ST: 88-105km
Revisit capability: approx 14 days
Data rate:
Up to 100Mbps withoutcompression
Waveband:IR: 2.3, 2.4 and 4.7µm
Spatial resolution: CO profile: 4km vertical, 22 x
22km horizontal, CO, CH4column: 22x22km horizontal
Accuracy:
Carbon monoxide: 10%
Methane: 2%Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Swath ±25 degrees about nadir
Revisit capability: 4 days
Data rate:
25Kbps continuous
Waveband:MOS-A: NIR: 4 channels in
range 0.755-0.768µm
MOS-B: Visible-NIR: 13 channels
in range 0.408-1.01µm
MOS-C: SWIR: 1.6µm
Spatial resolution: MOS-A: 1.6 x 1.4km
MOS-B: 0.52 x 0.52km
MOS-C: 0.52 x 0.64km
Accuracy:
Radiometric: Visible, IR: <1%,
SWIR: 2% (12 bit ADC)
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
approx 200km
Data rate:
MOS-A: 37.5Kbps
MOS-B: 121Kbps
MOS-C: 18.7Kbps

Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

MOS
PRIRODA(PRIRODA)
Modular Optoelectronic
Scanning
Spectrometer

Provides data for spectral analysisof O2 absorption in the NIR band,
vegetation indices, and vegetion
condition and soil assessment

Waveband:MR-2000

METEOR-2 N24

TV camera images of cloud, snow
and ice

Waveband:
Visible-NIR: 0.5-0.8µm
Spatial resolution: 1km (at nadir)Accuracy:
0.03%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
2600kmData rate:

MR-2000M

METEOR-3 N5,
METEOR-3M N1

TV camera images of cloud, snow
and ice

Waveband:
Visible-NIR: 0.5-0.8µm
Spatial resolution: 0.7 x 1.4km (at nadir)Accuracy:
0.03%
Duty cycle:
5-7 viewing periods each day
Swath width:
3100kmData rate:

MR-900METEOR-2 N24

TV camera images of cloud, snow
and ice

Waveband:
Visible-NIR: 0.5-0.8µm
Spatial resolution: 2km (at nadir)Accuracy:
0.03%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Scan angle 90 deg (2100km)
Data rate:

MR-900B

METEOR-3 N5

TV camera images of cloud, snow
and ice

Waveband:
Visible-NIR: 0.5-0.8µm
Spatial resolution: 2 x 1km (at nadir)Accuracy:
0.03%
Duty cycle:
100% (programmable in realtime)
Swath width:
2600kmData rate:

MR-900M

METEOR-3M N1,
Resource-01 N4

TV camera images of cloud, snow
and ice

Waveband:
Visible-NIR: 0.5-0.8µm
Spatial resolution: 2 x 1km (at nadir)Accuracy:
0.03%
Duty cycle:
100% (programmable in realtime)
Swath width:
2600kmData rate:

MS
Multispectral
Scanner

NMP EO-1

Hyperspectral measurements forland and marine applications
research and development

Waveband:108

Mission(s)MOS-A: NIR: 4 channels in
range 0.755-0.768µm
MOS-B: Visible-NIR: 13 channels
in range 0.408-1.01µm
Spatial resolution: MOS-A: 2.87 x 2.87km
MOS-B: 0.7 x 0.65km
Accuracy:
Radiometric <1% (12 bit ADC)
Duty cycle:
10%
Swath width: MOS-A: 80.5km
MOS-B: 82km
Data rate:
320Kbps

Panchromatic: 0.48-0.69µm
Multispectral: MS-1’: 0.4330.453µm, MS-1: 0.4500.515µm, MS-2: 0.5250.605µm, MS-3: 0.63-0.69µm,
MS-4’: 0.775-0.805µm, MS-4:
0.845-0.89µm, MS-5’: 1.21.3µm, MS-5: 1.55-1.75µm,
MS-7: 2.08-2.35µm
Spatial resolution: Panchromatic: 10m
Mulitspectral:
30m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Data rate:

109

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

MSGI-5Multi-channel
system for
Geoactive
measurements

METEOR-3M N2

Measures charged particle flux
density

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable. Electron flux
density range:
0.05-15KeV, proton flux density
range:
40KeV
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100% (1 coil or 12 hrs)
Swath width:
1 second of orbit
Data rate:

MSU-E

Resource-01 N4

Multispectral scanner images ofland surface and ice cover

Waveband:MSGI-5EIMETEOR-3M N1

Measures charged particle flux
density

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution: Not applicable. Electron flux
density range:
0.1-15MeV, proton flux density
range:
0.1-100KeV
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100% (1 coil or 12 hrs)
Swath width:
1-8 seconds of orbit
Data rate:

MSU-E1

Resource-01 N4

Multispectral scanner images ofland surface and ice cover

Waveband:Measures microwave brightness
temparature for oceanographic
applications

Waveband:MSU-E2PRIRODA

Multispectral scanner images ofland surface and ice cover

Waveband:MSU-EU

SICH-1M

Multispectral scanner images ofland surface

Waveband:

MSU-M

Ocean-01 N7,
OKEAN-O,
SICH-1,
SICH-1M

Provide images of ocean surface
and ice sheets

Waveband:

MSU-S

Ocean-01 N7,
OKEAN-O, SICH-1

Multispectral scanner images ofocean surface and ice sheets

Waveband:MSU-SK(PRIRODA)PRIRODA

Multispectral scanner images ofland surface and ice cover

Waveband:

MSMR
Multispectral
Microwave
Scanning
Radiometer

MSR
Microwave
Scanning
Radiometer

MSS
Multispectral
Scanning
SystemMSU
Microwave
Sounding Unit

IRS P4 (akaOCEANSAT-1)

METEOR-3M N2LANDSAT 5

NOAA 9-12,
NOAA 14

Provides multispectral (visible, IR)data for small-scale applications

Measures surface radiance. Data
mostly used for land applications

Provides temperature sounding
through cloud up to 20km in
altitude

Microwave: 6.6, 10.6, 18 and
21GHz
Spatial resolution: 40m at 21GHz to 120m at
6.6GHzWind speed: 75 x 75km
Sea surface temparature: 146 x
150km
Accuracy:
Sea surface temparature: 1.5K
Sea surface wind speed: 1.5 m/s
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
1360km
Revisit capability: 26 days
Data rate:
5Kbps
Waveband:

Visible-TIR: 0.5-0.7µm, 0.81.0µm, 10.4-11.3µm and11.5-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: 1km
Accuracy:
Visible-NIR: 0.5%
TIR: 0.15K
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
2700kmData rate:
1.3MbpsWaveband:

Visible: 0.5-0.6µm, 0.6-0.7µm
NIR: 0.7-0.8µm, 0.8-1.1µm
Spatial resolution: 80m in visible and
NIR channels
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
30%
Swath width:
185km
Data rate:
15MbpsWaveband:Microwave: 50.3, 53.74,
54.96 and 57.95GHz
Spatial resolution: 115km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
2348kmData rate:
320bps110

Visible: 0.5-0.6µm, 0.6-0.7µm
NIR: 0.8-0.9µm
Spatial resolution: 45m (at nadir)Accuracy:
4% radiometric accuracy
Duty cycle:
Programmable
Swath width:
45km for one scanner, 80km fortwo scanners (pointable ±30
deg from nadir)
Data rate:
11.5Mbps (3 channels)
Visible: 0.5-0.6µm, 0.6-0.7µm
NIR: 0.8-0.9µm
Spatial resolution: 25m (at nadir)Accuracy:
4% radiometric accuracy
Duty cycle:
Programmable
Swath width:
45km for one scanner, 80km fortwo scanners (pointable ±30
deg from nadir)
Data rate:
11.5Mbps (3 channels)
Visible: 0.5-0.6µm, 0.6-0.7µm
NIR: 0.8-0.9µm
Spatial resolution: 10m (at nadir)Accuracy:
4% radiometric accuracy
Duty cycle:
Programmable
Swath width:2 x 24km
Data rate:
11.5Mbps (3 channels)
Visible: 0.5-0.6µm, 0.6-0.7µm(scanning radiometer)
NIR: 0.8-0.9µm
Spatial resolution: 45m at nadir
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Programmable
Swath width: 45km or 90km
Pointable ±30 deg from nadir
Data rate:
11.5 Mbps
Visible: 0.5-0.6µm, 0.6-0.7µm
NIR: 0.7-0.8µm, 0.8-1.1µm
Spatial resolution: 1 x 1.7km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
30 mins max continuous
operation
Swath width:
1900kmData rate:
Visible: 0.55-0.7µm
NIR: 0.7-1.0µm
Spatial resolution: 370m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
15 mins max continuous
operation
Swath width:
1100kmData rate:
Visible: 0.5-0.6µm 0.6-0.7µm
NIR: 0.7-0.8µm, 0.8-1.1µm
TIR: 10.3-11.8µm
Spatial resolution: Visible: 80m, IR: 300m
Accuracy:
4% radiometric accuracy
Duty cycle:
Programmable
Swath width:
300km
Data rate:
11.5Mbps (5 channels)

111

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

MSU-SK(Resource01 N3)Resource-01 N3

Multispectral scanner images ofland surface and ice cover

Waveband:

MWR
Microwave
Radiometer

ENVISAT 1, ERS-1,
ERS-2, ESA Future
Missions

Measures atmospheric humidity

Waveband:Microwave: 23.8 and 36.5GHz
Spatial resolution: 20km
Accuracy:
Temparature: 2.6K
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
20km
Data rate:
0.5KbpsMZOAS
Microwave
Radiometer for
Ocean,
Atmosphere
And Sounding

METEOR-3M N2

Measures effective temperature andliquid water content of ocean
surface, cloud and snow

Waveband:OBA

MECB SSR-1,
MECB SSR-2

Used for fire extent detection andtemparature measurement, coastal
and vegetation monitoring, land
cover and land use mapping

Waveband:OCM

IRS P4 (akaOCEANSAT-1)

Provides chlorophyll and biologicalproductivity measurements inoceansWaveband:8 bands in Visible-NIR
Spatial resolution: 350m
Accuracy:
Temparaure: <0.1K
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
1500km
Revisit capability: 26 days
Data rate:
17.35Mbps

OPS
JERS 1
Optical Sensor

High resolution land imaging data
used for energy and mineral
resource management, land use,
agriculture and forestry, fishery andcoastal monitoring, environmental
protection and disaster prevention

Waveband:Ozon-M

PRIRODA

Multispectral UV spectrometermeasurements of atmosphericturbidity and trace gas
concentrations

Waveband:

PALSAR
Phased Array
L-bandSynthetic
Aperture
Radar

ALOS

High resolution microwave imagingof land and ice for use inenvironmental monitoring,
agriculture and forestry, disastermonitoring, Earth resource
management and interferometry

Waveband:Microwave: L-Band 1270MHz
Spatial resolution: High resolution mode: 10m (2looks), 20m (4 looks)
Scan SAR mode: 100m
Accuracy:
Radiometric: ±1dB
Duty cycle:
100% (max)Swath width:High resolution mode: 70km
Scan SAR mode: 250-360km
Data rate:
240Mbps (max)MSU-SK(Resource01 N4)MTVZA
Microwave
Radiometer for
temparatureand humudity
soundings oftheAtmosphere

Resource-01 N4

METEOR-3M N1,
METEOR-3M N2Multispectral FY-1C, FY-1D
Visible & IR
Scan
Radiometer(10 channel)

Multispectral scanner images ofland surface and ice cover

Visible: 0.5-0.6µm, 0.6-0.7µm
NIR: 0.7-0.8µm, 0.8-1.1µm
TIR: 10.4-12.6µm
Spatial resolution: Visible-NIR: 170m
TIR: 600m
Accuracy:
4% radiometric accuracy
Duty cycle:
Programmable
Swath width:
600km
Data rate:
11.5Mbps (5 channels)
Waveband:

Visible: 0.5-0.6µm, 0.6-0.7µm
NIR: 0.7-0.8µm, 0.8-1.1µm
TIR: 10.3-11.8µm
Spatial resolution: Visible-NIR: 170m
TIR: 600m
Accuracy:
4% radiometric accuracy
Duty cycle:
Programmable
Swath width:
600km
Data rate:
11.5Mbps (5 channels)

Provision of atmospherictemparature and humidity profiles

Waveband:Microwave: 18.7-183.31GHz
Spatial resolution: 10km, 72km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100% (12 hrs)
Swath width:
Data rate:
8Kbps

Provides multi-spectral (visible, IR)data for small-scale applications

Waveband:10 channels: Visible:
0.430.48µm, 0.48-0.53µm,
0.53-0.58µm, 0.58-0.68µm
NIR: 0.84-0.89µm
SWIR-FIR: 0.90-0.965µm, 1.581.68µm, 3.55-3.93µm
TIR: 10.3-11.3µm, 11.5-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: 1.1km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
3200kmData rate:
1.3308Mbps

Multispectral FY-2
Visible & IR
Scan
Radiometer (3channel)Measures surface temparature andcloud and ice cover. Used for snow
and flood monitoring and surface
temperature

Waveband:MVIRIMETEOSAT
Visible & IR
ImagerMeasures cloud cover, motion,height, upper tropospheric humidity
and sea surface temperature

Waveband:METEOSAT 5-7

Visible-NIR: 3 channels in range
0.55-1.05µm
Spatial resolution: 1.25km (visible), 5km (IR andwater vapour)
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Full Earth disk
Data rate:
Raw data 14Mbps, S-VISSR
0.66Mbps
Visible-NIR: 0.5-0.9µm
TIR: 5.7-7.1µm (water vapour),
10.5-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: Visible: 2.5km
Water vapour: 5km (after
processing)
TIR: 5 km
Accuracy:
Cloud top height: 0.5km
Cloud top/ sea surface
temparature: 0.7K
Cloud cover 15%
Duty cycle:
Full Earth disk in all threechannels, every 30 minutes
Swath width:
Full Earth disk
Data rate:
333Kbps112

Microwave: 6, 11, 19, 22, 35,
94GHz (10 channels)
Spatial resolution: 160, 80, 40, 36, 22, 9km
respectively
Accuracy:
Temparature: 0.05K
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
1500kmData rate:
Visible: 0.46-0.48µm, 0.630.69µm, NIR: 0.76-0.90µm,
MIR: 2.08-2.35µm
Spatial resolution: VIS-NIR: 100m
MIR: 300m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Operates only over Brazilian
territory
Swath width: 2200km
Revisit capability: 0.2 days
Data rate:
0.7-1.3Kbps (1:10 datacompression)

Visible-NIR: 0.52-0.6µm, 0.630.69µm, 0.76-0.86µm (stereo)
Spatial resolution: 18m x 24m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
75km
Data rate:
60Mbps
UV: 0.26-0.30µm, 0.360.42µm,
Visible: 0.6-0.7µm
NIR: 0.91-1.05µm
Spatial resolution: 1km vertical
Accuracy:
Spectral: 0.02-0.07µm
Duty cycle:
A few orbits, on several
occasions
Swath width:2 x 25 angular minutes
Data rate:
50Kbps113

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

PAN
Panchromatic
Sensor

IRS 1c, IRS 1d

High resolution stereo images forstudy of topography, urban areas,development of digital terrain
models, run-off models etc. Images
also used to monitor urban sprawl,
forest cover/timber volume andland use change

Waveband:
Panchromatic: 0.5-0.75µm
Spatial resolution: 5.8m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Daylight coverage only
Swath width:
70km mosaic
Revisit capability 5 days (with steerability)
Data rate:
84.9Mbps

POSEIDON/
SSALT
Solid State
Altimeter

TOPEX/POSEIDON

Nadir viewing sounding radar
provides high precision off-line sea
surface topography, ocean
circulation and wave height data

Panchromatic ARIES-1
sensorPanchromatic data for Earthresources, agriculture and forestry,water resources and vegetation
studies

Waveband:
0.4-1.0µm
Spatial resolution: 10m at nadir
Accuracy:
0.4-1.1µm: minumum 600:1
SNR
2.0-2.5µm: 400:1SNR at 2.1µm
Duty cycle:
Programmable
Swath width:
15km
Data rate:
150Mbps by X-band downlink

PEM
Particle
Environment
MonitorPEM measures UV and charged
particle energy inputs: determines
type, amount, energy anddistribution of charged particles
injected into Earth's thermosphere,
mesosphere and stratosphere

Waveband:Waveband:Microwave 13.65GHz
Spatial resolution: 2km antenna footprint
Basic measurement: 1/sec(6km along track)
Raw measurement: 20/sec(300m along track)
Accuracy:
Sea level: 4cm
Significant waveheight: 0.5m
Horizontal sea surface windspeed: 2m/s
Duty cycle:
10% due to antenna sharing
with NASA altimeter. 100%
duty cycle capability
Swath width:
10 day cycle
300km between tracks atequatorData rate:
1.3Kbps in operational mode
12Kbps in calibration mode

POSEIDON/SSALT-2
Solid State
Altimeter-2

Jason-1,
Jason Follow-on

Nadir viewing sounding radar forprovision of real-time high precision
sea surface topography, ocean
circulation and wave height data

Waveband:Ku-band, C-band
Spatial resolution: Basic measurement: 1/sec(6km along track)
Raw measurement: 10/sec(600m along track)
Accuracy:
Sea level: 3.9cm
Significant waveheight: 0.5m
Horizontal sea surface windspeed: 2m/s
Duty cycle:
Full time operation
Swath width:
On baseline TOPEX/POSEIDON
orbit (10 day cycle): 300km
between tracks at equator
Data rate:
1.5Kbps in low TM rate mode
15Kbps in high TM rate mode

PR
Precipitation
Radar

TRMM

Measures precipitation rate ofclouds in tropical latitudes

Waveband:

PRARE
PreciseRange &
Rate
Equipment

ERS-2

Provides precise evaluation of
altimeter measurements for geodetic
and geodynamic research. Also
performs pseudo-noise codedranging and doppler shiftmeasurements

Waveband:
X and S bands
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
10KbpsPOLDER
Polarisation &Directionalityof the Earth’s
ReflectanceUARS

ADEOS II

Measures polarization, anddirectional and spectral
characteristics of the solar lightreflected by aerosols, clouds,
oceans and land surfaces

AXIS: Bremsstrahlung X-rays
from 3-100KeVHEPS: electrons from 0.045MeV, protons from 0.07150MeV
MEPS: electrons and prontons
from 1eV to 32KeV
VMAG: three-axis magnetic
field from -65000nT to+65000nT
Spatial resolution: AXIS: vertical ~5km,
horizontal: ~60km
HEPS: vertical ~5km,
horizontal ~30km
MEPS: vertical ~5km,
horizontal ~15km
VMAG: vertical ~5km,
horizontal ~1.5km
Accuracy:
AXIS: 1 count in 8sec ±Poisson static value [sqrt(n)],HEPS: 1 count in 4sec ±Poisson static value [sqrt(n)],MEPS: 1 count in 57msec ±Poisson static value [sqrt(n)],VMAG: 2nT ± 1nT
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Data rate:
3.5KbpsWaveband:

Visible-NIR: 0.443, 0.670
and 0.865µm at 3
polarisations, and 0.443,
0.49, 0.565, 0.763, 0.765
and 0.91µm with nopolarisation
Spatial resolution: 6km x 7km
Accuracy:
Radiation budget, land surface
Reflectance: 2%Duty cycle:
50% max
Swath width:
2400km (across track) x
1800km (along track)
Revisit capability: 1 day
Data rate:
882Kbps114

Microwave: 13.796 and13.802GHz
Spatial resolution: Range resolution: 250m
Horizontal resolution: 4.3km
at nadirAccuracy:
Rainfall rate 0.7mm/h at storm
top (not yet verified)
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
215km (scanned every 0.6secs) Observable range: fromsurface to approx 15km altitude
Data rate:
93.5Kbps

115

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

PRISM (ESA)
Process
Research by
an Imaging
Space Mission

ESA Future
Missions

Data for study of land surface
processes

Waveband:Radar
altimeter

ESA Future
Missions

Measures sea surface roughness,thickness, ice sheet elevation, land
topography, ocean topography,
wind speed and significant wave
heightWaveband:
94GHz
Spatial resolution: Approx 300m
Accuracy:
Vertical: 2cm (vertical
repeatability 10cm)
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
5.6km
Data rate:
2.5Mbps

Radiometer

Odin

Limb measurements of trace gases,
temparature profiles andatmospheric winds

Waveband:Rain radar

ESA Future
Missions

Measures rain rate and height ofmelting layer

Waveband:Microwave
Spatial resolution: Global: 100km x 100km
Vertical: 0.5-1km (goals)
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
TBD
Swath width:
TBD
Data rate:

RLSBO
Side-Looking
Real-Aperture
Radar

Ocean-01 N7,
OKEAN-O, SICH1M

Provides images of ocean surface
and ice sheets

Waveband:Microwave: 3.1cm
Spatial resolution: 1.5 x 2.0km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
15 mins max continuous
operation, programmable
Swath width:
450km
Data rate:

RM-0.8

Ocean-01 N7,
SICH -1M

Passive microwave images of ocean
surface and ice sheets

Waveband:Microwave: 0.8cm
Spatial resolution: 15 x 20km
Accuracy:
0.3K temperature sensitivity
Duty cycle:
15 mins max continuous
operation, programmable
Swath width:
550km
Data rate:

RMK-2
Radiation
Measurement
Complex

METEOR-2 N24,
METEOR-3 N5,Resource-01 N4

Provides data on electron andproton fluxes

Waveband:Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
100bps (N24), 4Kbps (N5)RMS
Radiation
Measurement
SystemElectro-GOMS N1,
Electro-GOMS N2

Measures flux of charged particles
and EM radiation, and Earth's
magnetic field

Waveband:Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:

S&R (GOES)
Search &RescueGOES 7, GOES 8,
GOES 9, GOES L,
GOES M

Relay of search and rescue
information

Waveband:

PRISM(NASDA)

R-225

R-400

ALOS

OKEAN-O

PRIRODARA
Radar
Altimeter

ERS-1, ERS-2

RA-2
Radar
Altimeter

ENVISAT 1

Visible-SWIR: 0.45-2.35µm
TIR: 3.5-4.1µm (1 band)
TIR: 8-8.5µm, 8.5-9µm(2 bands)
Spatial resolution: Spatial sampling interval
approx 50m, along track
pointing ±30 deg
Spectral resolution: 10-12nm per channel(Visible-SWIR)
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
50km
Data rate:<100Mbps by data
selection/compression

High resolution panchromatic stereo
imager for land applications which
include cartography, digital terrain
models, civil planning, agriculture
and forestry

Waveband:

Visible-NIR: 0.52-0.77µm(panchromatic)
Spatial resolution: 2.5m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
50% (max)
Swath width:
35km, 70km (wide swath mode)
Data rate:
960Mbps (max)Passive microwave measurements
for investigations of oceanatmosphere system

Waveband:Data of use for investigations ofocean-atmosphere system.
Measures sea surface temperature,
wind speed, precipitable watercontent of clouds, cloud liquidwater content and rain rate

Waveband:Microwave: 4.0cm
Spatial resolution: 50km (at 400km altitude)
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
A few orbits, on several
occasions
Swath width:
420km (at 400km altitude)
Data rate:
1.5Kbps

Measures wind speed, significant
wave height, sea surface elevation,
ice profile, land and ice
topography,and sea ice boundaries

Waveband:K-band: 13.8GHz
Spatial resolution: 7km
Accuracy:
Wave height: 0.5m or 10%(whichever is smaller)
Sea surface elevation: better
than 10cm
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Data rate:

Measures wind speed, significant
wave height, sea surface elevation,
ice profile, land and ice
topography, and sea iceboundaries

Waveband:Microwave: 13.3GHz(2.25cm) (2 polarisation)
Spatial resolution: 130km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Data rate:

K band: 13.575 GHz, S band:
3.2 GHzSpatial resolution: 7km
Accuracy:
Wave height: 0.5m or 10%(whichever is smaller)
Sea surface elevation: better
than 10cm
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Approx 3-5km
Data rate:
64/100Kbps

116

3 Microwave bands: 119,486-502 and 541-580GHz
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 2km
Horizontal: 2km (circular beam)
Accuracy:
Spectral resolution 0.15 and1.0MHzDuty cycle:
Max 50% average (half ofmission for astronomy)
Swath width:
Data rate:
Approx 10Mbyte/orbit

Uplink: around 406MHz
Downlink: 1544.5MHz
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Not applicable
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:

117

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

S&R (NOAA) NOAA 9, NOAA 10, Relay of search and rescue
NOAA 11, NOAA 12, information
Search &NOAA 14, NOAA K,
RescueNOAA L, NOAA M,
NOAA N, NOAA N'
First Converged
Spacecraft (NPOESS)Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Waveband:

SBUV/2
Solar
Backscatter
Ultra-Violet
instrument

NOAA 9, NOAA 11,
NOAA 14, NOAA L,NOAA M, NOAA N,
NOAA N'

Provides data on trace gases
including vertical profile ozone,
and solar irradiance and totalozone concentration measurements

Waveband:Spatial resolution: 170km
Accuracy:
Absolute accuracy: 1%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Nadir pointing profiler
Data rate:
320bps

ScaRaB
Scanner for
Earth’sRadiation
BudgetMETEOR-3M N2

Measures top-of-atmosphere
Waveband:
Visible window channel:
shortwave radiation (0.2-4.0µm)
0.5-0.7µm
and total radiation (0.2-50µm). Two
Solar channel: 0.2-4µm
additional narrow-band channels
Total channel: 0.2-50µm(0.5-0.7µm and 11-12µm) allow
Thermal window channel:
cloud detection and scene
10.5-12.5µm
identification
Spatial resolution: 60km at nadir (42km sampling)
Accuracy:
Absolute: ± 2.5W/m2/sr
Relative: ± 0.7W/m2/sr
Duty cycle:
Programmable
Swath width:
2200kmData rate:
1Kbps

SCIAMACHY
Scanning
Imaging
Absorption
Spectrometerfor
Atmospheric
Cartography

ENVISAT 1

Measures middle atmospheretemperature. Provides troposphericand stratospheric profiles of O2,
O3, O4, CO, N2O, NO2, CO2,
CH4, H2O, and tropospheric andstratospheric profiles of aerosols
and cloud altitude

Sea Winds

ADEOS II

Measurement of surface wind speed Waveband:
Operates at 13.402GHz
and direction
Spatial resolution: 50km resolution
Accuracy:
Windspeed: 12%
Wind vector: 20%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
90% of the oceans in 2 days
Data rate:

SeaWiFS
Sea-viewing
Wide-Field
Sensor

OrbView-2

Provides data on aerosols andocean colour and biology

Waveband:

SEM
Space
Environment
Monitor

GOES 7-9,
GOES L-M,
NOAA 9-12,
NOAA 14,NOAA K-N’

Used for equipment failure analysis,
solar flux measurement, solar storm
warning, and magnetic and electricfield measurement at satellite

Waveband:Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
Magnetometer: 100bps
XRS, EPS, HEPAD: 50bps

Uplink: 121.5, 243,
406.05MHz and 406.025MHz
Downlink: 1544.5MHz
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Not applicable
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:

SAGE IIIMETEOR-3M N1,
Stratospheric
METEOR-3M N2,
Aerosol & Gas TBD
Experiment

Profiles of ozone, water vapour,NO2, OCIO, aerosols, temperatureand pressure

Waveband:
UV-NIR: 0.29-1.55µm
Spatial resolution: 0.5-1km in the vertical
Accuracy:
Temparature: 2K
Ozone: 6%
Humidity: 3-10%
Aerosol and trace gases: 5-10%
Duty cycle:
During solar and lunar Earthoccultation
Swath width:
Not applicable - looks at sun
through Earth's limb
Data rate:
100Kbps, 24 minutes per orbit

SAR (ESA
FutureMissions)
Synthetic
ApertureRadar

ESA Future
Missions

Provides all weather images ofocean, land and ice for monitoringof land surface processes, sea andpolar ice, sea state and geologicaland hydrological applications

Waveband:Microwave
Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Data rate:

SAR (JERS-1)
Synthetic
Aperture
Radar

JERS 1

Provides high resolution images forenergy and mineral resource
applications, land use,environmental protection anddisaster prevention, agriculture andforestry, fisheries and coastal
monitoring and SAR interferometry
applications

Waveband:Microwave: 1.275GHz
Spatial resolution: 18m x 18m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
75km
Data rate:
60MbpsProvides all-weather images ofocean, ice and land surfaces. Used
for monitoring of coastal zones,
polar ice, sea ice, sea state,geological features, vegetation andland surface processes

Waveband:

SAR(RADARSAT)
Synthetic
Aperture
Radar

RADARSAT,RADARSAT-2

C band: 5.3GHz, HH
polarisation
Spatial resolution: Standard: 25 x28 m (4 looks),
Wide beam (1/2):48-30 x
28m/ 32-25 x 28m (4 looks),
Fine resolution: 11-9 x 9m (1look), ScanSAR (N/W): 50 x
50m/ 100 x 100m (2-4/4-8
looks), Extended (H/L): 22-19
x28m/ 63-28 x 28m (4 looks)
Accuracy:
Geometric distortion: < 40m
Radiometric: 1.0dB
Duty cycle:
101 minute orbit, 28 minutesof SAR on time per orbit
Swath width:Standard: 100km (20-49deg),
Wide beam (1/2): 165km/
150km (20-31/ 31-39deg),
Fine resolution: 45km (3748deg), ScanSAR (W): 510km(20-49deg), Extended (H/L):
75km/170km (50-60/
10-23deg)
Data rate:
85-105Mbps by X-band
downlink

Waveband:

UV-SWIR: 240-309, 314-394,
405-604, 620-785, 805-1000,
1050-1750, 1940-2040 and
2265-2380nm
Spatial resolution: Limb vertical 3 x 132km
Nadir horizontal 32 x 215km
Accuracy:
Radiometric: <4%
Duty cycle:
100% on day side
Swath width:
Limb and nadir mode: 1000km(max)
Data rate:
400-1900Kbps(mode-dependent)

Visible-NIR: 0.402-0.422µm,
0.433-0.453µm, 0.48-0.5µm,
0.5-0.52µm, 0.545-0.565µm,
0.66-0.68µm, 0.745-0.785µm
and 0.845-0.885µm
Spatial resolution: 1.1km (local) and 4.4km(global) at nadir
Accuracy:
5% (absolute radiometricaccuracy)
Duty cycle:
100% on dayside
Swath width:
1500-2800km
Revisit capability: 2 days
Data rate:
665Kbps

119

118

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

SEVIRI
Spinning
Enhancedvisible & IR
ImagerMSG 1, MSG 2,
MSG 3

Provides measurements of cloud
cover, cloud top height,
precipitation estimates, cloud
motion winds, vegetation, radiation
fluxes, convection monitoring, airmass analysis, cirrus cloud
discrimination, tropopausemonitoring, stability monitoring,
total ozone and sea surface
temparature

Waveband:

SSU
StratosphericSounder Unit

NOAA 9,NOAA 11,NOAA 14

Provides temperature profiles instratosphere, top-of-atmosphereradiation from 25km to 50km
altitude

Waveband:STAR
Accelerometer

CHAMP

Accelerometer for measuring thestrength and variation of the Earth's
gravity field

Waveband:Not applicable
Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Revisit capability: Observing cycle of 2 years
Data rate:
100bpsSUSIM
Solar Ultraviolet
Irradiance
Monitor

UARS

Provides data on UV and charged
particle energy inputs, and on time
variation of full-disk solar UV
spectrum.

Waveband:UV: 0.12-0.4µm
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Spectral resolution: 0.15nm
Accuracy:
1%
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Looks at sun
Data rate:
2Kbps

Visible: 0.56-0.71µm, 0.5-0.
9µm (broadband), NIR: 0.710.95µm, SWIR 1.44-1.79µm,
TIR: 3.4-4.2µm, 5.35-7.15µm,
6.85-7.85µm, 8.3-9.1µm,
9.46-9.94µm, 9.8-11.8µm,
11-13µm, 13.04-13.76µm
Spatial resolution: 1km (at SSP) for one broadband
visible channel HRV
5km (at SSP) for all other channels
Accuracy:
Cloud cover: 10%
Cloud top height: 1km
Cloud top temparature: 1K
Cloud type: 8 classes
Surface temparature: 0.7-2.0K
Specific humidity profile: 10%
Wind profile (horizontal
component): 2-10m/s
Long wave Earth surface
radiation: 5W/m2
Duty cycle:
Full disk every 15 minutes
Swath width:
Full Earth disk
Data rate:
2.8Mbps

669.99, 669.63 and669.36/cm (carbon dioxide)
Spatial resolution: 147.3km at nadir
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:±40 deg scan
Data rate:
0.48Kbps

SFM-2
Spectrometer
to measure
direct solar
radiation

METEOR-3 N5,
METEOR-3M N1,
METEOR-3M N2,
Resource-01 N4

Provides ozone profile
measurements

Waveband:UV: 0.26-0.4µm
Spatial resolution: 40 x 10 deg
Accuracy:
4%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Data rate:

SXI
Solar X-ray
Imager

GOES M

Obtains data on structure of solar
corona. Full disk imagery also
provides warnings of geomagnetic
storms, solar flares, and informationon active regions of sun andfilaments

Waveband:Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
100 bpsSOLSTICE
Solar/Stellar
Irradiance
Comparision
Experiment

UARS

Provides data on UV and charged
particle energy inputs, and on time
variation of full-disk solar UV
spectrum. Measures solar UV
radiation (115 to 430nm) withresolution of 0.12nm. Compares
solar UV output with UV radiationof stable bright blue stars for

Waveband:UV: 115-430
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
1%
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
0.25Kbps

TES
Tropospheric
EmissionSpectrometer

EOS CHEM-1

Provides 3-D profiles on a global
scale of all infra-red active species
from surface to lower stratosphere.
Measures greenhouse gas
concentrations, tropospheric ozone,
acid rain precursors, gas exchange
leading to stratospheric ozone
depletion. Species me

Provides temperature profiles andtrace gases in the upper
troposphere to mesosphereincluding ClO, O3, HCl, NO, BrO
as first priority, and HOCl, CH3Cl,
H2O, N2O, HO2, HNO3 as
second priority

Waveband:Waveband:
SWIR-TIR: 2.3-15.4µm
Spatial resolution: In limb mode: 2.3km verticalresolution.
In down-looking mode: 50km x
5km (global), 5km x 0.5km(local)Accuracy:
Ozone: 20ppb
Trace gases: 3-500ppb
Duty cycle:
Once per month, 100% for 4days to achieve full global
coverage <2% annually
Swath width:
Limb mode: global: 50km x
180km, local: 5km x 18km
Revisit capability: 4 days
Data rate:
Average/peak: 3.24/19.5
Mbps

TM
Thematic
MapperLANDSAT 5

Measures surface radiance. Data
used for wide range of applications
up to 1:50,000 scale

Waveband:

SOPRANOESA Future
Sub-millimetre Missions
Observation ofProcesses in
the Absorption
Noteworthy
for Ozone

SOUNDER

GOES 8,GOES 9,GOES 10,
GOES L,
GOES M

Provides atmospheric soundings
and data on atmospheric stability
and thermal gradient winds

Sub-millimetrea) 499.4-505GHzb) 624.5-626.6 and 628.
2-628.7GHzc) 730.5-732GHzd) 851.3-852.8GHz
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 2km at lowest level
Limb viewing instrument
Accuracy:Band a: 2.5K, Bands b
and c: 12K, Band d: 8K
at 3MHz resolution, 0.3 secs
integration time
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
10-50km tangent height range
Data rate:
0.5MbpsWaveband:
Visible-TIR: 19 channels
Spatial resolution: 10km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100% except during eclipse
periods
Swath width:
Horizon to horizon
Data rate:
40Kbps (inc in GVAR)

120

Visible: 0.45-0.52µm,
0.52-0.6µm, 0.63-0.69µm
SWIR: 1.55-1.75µm, 2.082.35µm
TIR: 10.4-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: Visible and SWIR: 30m
TIR: 120m
Accuracy:
Radiometric: 10%,
Geometric: 500m
Duty cycle:
30%
Swath width:
185km
Data rate:
84.9Mbps

121

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

TMI
TRMM
Microwave
ImagerTRMM

Measures rainfall rates over oceans(less reliable over land), combined
rainfall structure and surface rainfall
rates with associated latent heating.
Used to produce monthly total
rainfall maps over oceans

Waveband:

TMR
TOPEX
Microwave
Radiometer

TOMS
Total Ozone
mapping
Spectrometer

TOPEX/POSEIDONMETEOR-3M N2,
TOMS Earth Probe

Altimeter data used to correct forerrors caused by water vapour andcloud-cover effects. Also measures
total water vapour and brightness
temperature

Data extends long term dataset on
ozone which is used to measureozone concentration changes andtrends, and to produce detailed
maps of Antarctic ozone hole andArctic ozone. Also measuressulphur dioxide concentration

Microwave: 10.7, 19.4,
21.3, 37, and 85.5GHz
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 2.5km approx
Horizontal: 18km
Accuracy:
Liquid water: 3mg/cm3
Humidity: 3mg/cm3
Ocean wind speed: 1.5 m/s
Duty cycle:
790km
Revisit capability: 12hrs
Swath width:
8.8Kbps
Data rate:
Waveband:Microwave: 18, 21 and 37GHz
Spatial resolution: 44.6km at 18GHz, 37.4km at
21GHz, 23.5km at 37GHz
Accuracy:
Total water vapour: 0.2g/sq cm
Brightness temperature: 1K
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
120 deg cone centred on nadir
10 day repeat cycle
Data rate:
125bps
UV: 0.3086, 0.3125, 0.3175,
0.3223, 0.3312 and 0.36µm
Spatial resolution: Nadir: 47x47km
Average: 62x62km
IFOV: 3 deg
Accuracy:
0.1%
Duty cycle:
Up to 100%
Swath width:
3100km
Revisit capability: 1 day
Data rate:
7Kbps

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

UV-visible
Odin
spectrometer

Limb measurements of albedo,
aerosols and trace gases

Waveband:
UV-Visible: 0.28-0.8µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 1km
Horizontal: 40km
Spectral resolution 1-2nm
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
50% maximum (half of mission
for astronomy)
Swath width:
Data rate:
11Mbyte/orbit (approx)

VCL
Vegetation
Canopy Lidar

Measure leaf area index,
vegetation type

Waveband:
Visible-NIR
Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Data rate:

VEGETATION SPOT 4, SPOT 5

Data of use for crop forecast andmonitoring, vegetation monitoring,and biosphere/ geosphereinteraction studies

Waveband:

VHRR
Very High
Resolution
Radiometer

Provides data on cloud cover,rainfall, wind velocity, sea surface
temperature, outgoing longwave
radiation, reflected solar radiationin spectral band 0.55-0.75µm andemitted radiation in 10.5-12.5
micron range

Waveband:

VIRS
TRMM
Visible Infrared
Scanner

Data to be used in conjunction withdata from CERES instrument todetermine cloud radiation. Will
enable 'calibration' of precipitation
indices derived from other satellite
sources

Waveband:

VISSR(GMS4)
Visible & IR
Spin Scan
Radiometer

Data used for cloud type and cloud
motion detection. Also measures
sea surface temperature

Waveband:

ESSP-1A (aka VCL)

Waveband:Travers SAR

PRIRODA

Measures vegetation canopy typeand state, soil moisture, land
topography and ice and sea
surface roughness

Waveband:Microwave: 9.2 and 23cm
Spatial resolution: 50-150m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
A few orbits, on several
occasions
Swath width:
50km
Data rate:
16Mbps per channel

TRSR
Turbo Rogue
Space
Receiver

CHAMP

Provides data for in-orbit location ofsatellite for instrument dataregistration and correction

Waveband:L-band:1228 and 1575MHz
Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
2500bps

TV camera

PRIRODA

Survey of cloud cover and Earthsurface

Waveband:

Visible-NIR: 0.6-1.1µm and1.04µmSpatial resolution: 3.3 angular minutes
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
A few orbits on several
occasions
Swath width:
FOV: 20 x 15 deg and 2 x 1
deg
Data rate:
64Kbps122

INSAT IIa,
INSAT IIb,
INSAT IIe

GMS-4

Operational mode: Visible:
0.61-0.68µm
NIR: 0.78-0.89µm
SWIR: 1.58-1.75µm
Experimental mode: Visible:
0.43-0.47µm
Spatial resolution: 1.15km at nadir - minimal
variation for off-nadir viewing
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100% in daylight
Swath width:
2200km
Revisit capability: 1 day
Data rate:
3.4Mbps
Visible: 0.55-0.75µm
TIR: 10.5-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: 2km in visible, 8km in IR
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Full Earth disk once every 30
minutes
Swath width:
Full Earth disk
Data rate:
526.5Kbps
Visible: 0.63µm, SWIR: 1.6 and3.75µm, TIR: 10.8 and 12µm
Spatial resolution: 2km at nadir
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
720km (45 deg eitherside of track)
Revisit capability: 1 day
Data rate:
50KbpsVisible: 0.5-0.75µm
TIR: 10.5-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: Visible: 1.25km
TIR: 5km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Full Earth disk in all
channels, every 1 hour
Swath width:
Full Earth disk
Data rate:

123

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

Instrument

Mission(s)Measurements/application

Technical characteristics

VIS/IR
ImagerESA Future Mission

Provides imagery for oceanic
applications

Waveband:Spatial resolution:
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Data rate:

WIS
Wedge
Imaging
Spectrometer

NMP EO-1

Hyperspectral measurements forland and marine applications
research and development

Waveband:

VISSR(GMS5)
Visible & IR
Spin Scan
Radiometer

GMS-5

Data used for cloud type andmotion detection wind. Also
measures sea surface temperature
and atmospheric water vapour

Waveband:

X-ray
Astronomy
PayloadIRS P3

Study of time variability andspectral characteristics of cosmic Xray sources

Waveband:Spatial resolution: Not applicable
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Not applicable
Swath width:
Not applicable
Data rate:
40KbpsVisible: 0.55-0.9µm
TIR: 6.5-7, 10.5-11.5, 11.5-12.5µm
Spatial resolution: Visible: 1.25km
TIR: 5km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Full Earth disk in all channels,
every 1 hour
Swath width:
Full Earth disk
Data rate:

VISSR andVAS
(GOES-7)
Visible & IR
Spin ScanningRadiometer

GOES 7

Provides data for severe storm
Waveband:Imaging mode: Visible:
warnings/ monitoring. Also
0.55-0.75µm
provides day and night atmospheric
IR: 11µm plus 2 other channelsoundings (temparature, moisture)
selectable from 3.9, 6.7, 7.3
and data on the Earth surface,and 13.3µm
atmosphere and cloud cover andSpatial resolution: Visible: 1km
rainfall estimates
IR: 7 and 14km
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:
Horizon to horizon
Data rate:
2.11Mbps (Mode-AAA)WFI camera
Wide-Field
Imager

CBERS 1,
CBERS 2

Data used for coastal andvegetation monitoring

Waveband:

WiFS
Wide-Field
Sensor

IRS 1c,IRS 1d,RS P3

Data used for drought and snow
cover monitoring, snow melt run-off
forecasting, and studies of albedo,
photosynthetic active radiation,
vegetation cover and global
production potential

Waveband:WINDIIWind Imaging
Interferometer

UARS

Day and night wind measurements
between 80km and 300km altitude
from Doppler shift measurements ofemission lines of neutral andionised atomic oxygen, two lines of
the hydroxyl molecule andmolecular oxygen. Measuresatmospheric temperature andconcentration of emitting species

Waveband:
Visible-NIR:0.55-0.78µm
Spatial resolution: Vertical: 2km
Horizontal: 25km
Accuracy:Wind speed: 10m/s
Duty cycle:
100%
Swath width:70-310km
Data rate:
2Kbps

NIR-A: 41 channels in range
0.4-0.66µm, NIR-B: 62
channels in range 0.6-1.0µm
SWIR-A: 122 channels in range
0.9-1.6µm, SWIR-B: 96
channels in range 1.52-2.5µm
Spatial resolution: Panchromatic: 10m
Mulitspectral: 30m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Swath width:
Data rate:

Visible: 0.63-0.69µm,
NIR: 0.77-0.89µm
Spatial resolution: 258m
Accuracy:
0.3 pixels
Duty cycle:
International access open to allparticipating stations, limited to
20 minutes per revolution
Swath width:
890km
Revisit capability: 5 days
Data rate:
1.1Mbps (8/6 compressed)
Visible: 0.62-0.68µm
NIR: 0.77-0.86µm
SWIR: 1.55-1.7µm(IRS P3 only),
1.55-1.75µm (IRS P4 only)
Spatial resolution: 188m
Accuracy:
Duty cycle:
Daylight coverage 100%
Swath width:
774km
Revisit capability: 5 days
Data rate:
2 Mbps124

125

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

C CEOS membershipThis annex presents, alphabetically, by country, the agencies and organisations participating in CEO S.

COUNTRYCEOS MEMBERS

Australia

Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research O rganisation (CSIRO )BrazilInstituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE)

CanadaCanadian Space Agency (CSA)

China

Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST)
National Remote Sensing Center of China (NR SCC)

EuropeEuropean Commission (EC)European O rganisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites(EUMETSAT)
European Space Agency (ESA)

FranceCentre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)

Germany

Deutsche Agentur für R aumfahrt-Angelegenheiten (DAR A)

India

Indian Space Research O rganisation (ISRO )Italy

Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI)

Japan

Science and Technology Agency (STA)(National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA))

R ussia

R ussian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology
and Environment Monitoring (RO SHYDRO MET)
R ussian Space Agency (R SA)

SwedenSwedish National Space Board (SNSB)

UkraineNational Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU)

United Kingdom

British National Space Centre (BNSC)

United States of America

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National O ceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)COUNTRYCEOS OBSERVERS

Belgium

Federal O ffice for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affairs (O STC)

CanadaCanada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCR S)

New Zealand

Crown Research Institute (CR I)

NorwayNorwegian Space Centre (NSC)CEOS AFFILIATES
Economic and Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
Food and Agriculture O rganization (FAO )Global Climate O bserving System (GCO S)
Global O cean O bserving System (GO O S)
Global Terrestrial O bserving System (GTO S)
International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU)International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP)Inter-governmental O ceanographic Commission (IO C)
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
United Nations O ffice of O uter Space Affairs (UNO O SA)World Climate Research Programme (WCR P)
World Meteorological O rganisation (WMO )
126

127

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

D CEOS Affiliates:
environmental programmes & agencies
D.1 INTROD UCTION
This section gives a brief background description of
the CEO S affiliate agencies, together with examples of
their environmental programmes. The list of
programmes is not exhaustive and will continue to
evolve as new programmes are defined. The following
agencies are considered:- Economic and Social Commission of Asia and thePacific (ESCAP);- Food and Agriculture O rganisation of the United
Nations (FAO );- Global Climate O bserving System (GCO S);- Global O cean O bserving System (GO O S);- Global Terrestrial O bserving System (GTO S);- International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU);- International Geosphere Biosphere Programme(IGBP);- Inter-governmental O ceanographic Commission(IO C);- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP);- United Nations O ffice of O uter Space Affairs(UNO O SA);- World Climate Research Programme (WCR P);- World Meteorological O rganisation (WMO ).

D.2 ECONOMIC AND SOCIALCOMMISSION OF ASIA AND THE
PACIFIC (ESCAP)
The Economic and Social Commission for Asia andthe Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional arm of the United
Nations. It is responsible for the United Nations’ socialand economic development activities in the Asia Pacific region. ESCAP has 60 members and associatedmembers, including regional developed members suchas Australia, Japan and New Zealand, non regional
members such as France and the United States ofAmerica. It also includes the newly-established
Republics of Central Asia. ESCAP’s major approach is
to work closely with its member governments toaddress the issues related to sustainable social andeconomic development, as well as those issues relating
to natural resources and environment management in
the region.

128

ESCAP is instrumental in implementing Agenda 21 a global action plan for environment and sustainable
development. In order to promote the regional
implementation of Agenda 21, the Regional Action
Programme for Environmentally Sound andSustainable Development 1996-2000 was adopted
by ESCAP to provide a timely response to themajor environmental problems identified in the
1995 report on the State of the Environment in
Asia and the Pacific.
In the context of CEO S, ESCAP considers spacetechnology as an enabling tool for implementing
Agenda 21. ESCAP is enhancing regional coordination and co-operation in the promotion of
applications of space technology for sustainable
development in the Asia-Pacific region through theRegional Space Applications Programme for
Sustainable Development (R ESAP). R ESAP is basedon the Strategy for Regional Co-operation in Space
Applications for Sustainable Development and theAction Plan on Space Applications for Sustainable
Development in Asia and the Pacific. These wereadopted by the first Ministerial Conference on Space
Applications for Development in Asia and the Pacificheld in Beijing in September 1994.
R ESAP aims at directly assisting developing members
and associate members of ESCAP in addressing urgent
environmental and development problems throughinformation exchanges, seminars and training
workshops, provision of technical advice, policy studies
and pilot projects. A strong regional network within
R ESAP has been established with the participation of
more than 30 member countries.
The network consists of:- the Inter-governmental Consultative Committee(ICC) on R ESAP;- the Regional Working Group on Remote Sensing
and GIS and Satellite-based Positioning;- the Regional Working Group on Meteorological
Satellite Applications and Natural Hazards
Monitoring;- the Regional Working Group on Satellite
Communication Applications;- the Regional Working Group on Space Scienceand Technology Applications.

129

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

The network also has a Regional Information
Service and Education/ training sub-network
whose activities are focused on integrating key
space technologies into development planning forachieving sustainable development.
Through R ESAP, ESCAP organised approximately 10
seminars/ training workshops and meetings annually topromote information exchanges and transfer ofknowledge. ESCAP also provides fellowship awards
for remote sensing and GIS applications studies, tomembers with development needs. Since the
Ministerial Conference, ESCAP has completed anumber of studies, including the feasibility study on
the establishment of an Earth Space Information
Network for Asia and the Pacific (ESINAP).
Currently, ESCAP is implementing the following
major projects through the R ESAP network:- Harmonisation of initiatives for promoting regional
co-operation in space technology applications forsustainable development in Asia and the Pacific.
- National capacity-building for sustainable
environment and natural resource management
through research and studies on uses of data fromJapan's Advanced Earth O bserving Satellite(ADEO S).
- Promoting co-operation in space technology
applications with special focus on satellite-based
education for human development and sustainable
development in the Asia-Pacific region.
- Study on coastal zone environment managementwith emphasis on the mangrove ecosystem to assistin poverty alleviation.
- Promotion of applications of small satellite data in
Asia and the Pacific.
- Integrated applications of remote sensing and GIS
for comprehensive development planning in arid
regions.
- Establishment of a meteorological disasters’ databaseand development of associated applications.

D.3 FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
ORGANISATION OF THE UNITED
NATIONS (FAO)
The Food and Agriculture O rganisation of the United
Nations is the lead Agency within the UN family inthe fields of renewable natural resources, nutrition, andfood and agriculture, including fisheries and forestry.
Its functions include the collection, analysis anddissemination of information, the promotion ofresearch and education, and the provision of technicalassistance to its member countries.
Satellite remote sensing is used in many of theactivities of the FAO. Data from land resources
satellites and meteorological satellites are used for theassessment and monitoring of tropical forest cover. As
part of the FAO ’s Global Information and Early
Warning System on Food and Agriculture, the FAO
Africa Real-time Environmental Monitoring System(ARTEMIS) uses data from METEO SAT and NOAA
to monitor growing conditions and vegetation
development over Africa. Additional pilot projects are
expected to test the suitability of remotely sensed datasuch as R ADAR SAT and ER S SAR data for new
applications.
FAO provides advisory services to member countries
on applications of remote sensing techniques,
including the execution of pilot projects, the provisionof assistance in the formulation of projects that include
a remote sensing component; and the provision oftechnical support to FAO executed field projects,
including services for the browsing, selection andordering of satellite imagery. Examples include the
new Africover project to map land cover over thewhole of Africa and various activities in the mappingand monitoring of illicit crop cultivation.
Furthermore, FAO organises, or participates in, remotesensing education and training activities and producesmaterials and workshops for decision makers. Coordination of remote sensing applications within FAO
is done by its Environmental and Natural Resources
Service (formerly the FAO Remote Sensing Centre)
which also conducts all FAO activities relating toenvironmental information systems and Agenda 21.

D.4 GLOBAL CLIMATE OBSERVINGSYSTEM (GCOS)
The Global Climate O bserving System (GCO S)
was established in 1992 by the World MeteorologicalO rganisation (WMO ), the Inter-governmental
O ceanographic Commission (IO C) of UNESCO,
the United Nations Environmental Programme(UNEP) and the International Council of ScientificUnions (ICSU). GCO S aims to address the problemsof climate change and climate variability by providing
comprehensive observations of the total climate
system. Its specific objectives are to insure theacquisition of data to meet the needs for:·Climate system monitoring, climate change
detection, and response monitoring especially interrestrial ecosystems;·

Application of climate information to national
economic development; and·Research toward improved understanding,modelling, and prediction of the climate system.

A series of plans have been prepared to describe: theoverall GCO S concept; the principal scientificelements for the atmosphere, ocean, and land surface;
the requirements for space-based observations; and therequirement for data and information management.
The GCO S plans have been developed in close cooperation with existing operational and research
programmes and both the Global O cean O bserving
System (GO O S) and Global Terrestrial O bserving
System (GTO S). GCO S has developed andimplemented key elements of an Initial O perational
System which is composed of currently operational
components needed for climate issues, the necessaryenhancements to these components for which thetechnology is available, and a comprehensive global
data management system. The observational
requirements, design objectives, and implementation
guidance of GCO S have been provided by the Joint
Scientific and Technical Committee (JSTC) through anumber of expert panels.
Recognising the need for a comprehensive approach toformulate, implement, and oversee data andinformation management of the global observing
systems, the Joint Scientific and Technical Committee(JSTC) of GCO S, the Inter-governmental Committee

for GO O S (I-GO O S), and the Steering Committee(SC) for GTO S have established a Joint Data andInformation Management Panel (JDIMP).
Insofar as is possible, the data and information
management system for the global observing systems,
G3O S should be developed to accommodate dataand products from the various components of the
global observing systems. To do so, the JDIMP
should comprise a core group of members representing
the variety of global observing communities anddisciplines. The JDIMP should possess the expertiseto understand and use global datasets, and operationaland research global information management systems.
The JDIMP should be a "problem solving" group,
focused on resolving issues affecting the quality andmaintenance of global observing system datasets,
and access to them.
With regard to satellite observations, Version 1.0of the GCO S Plan for space-based observations
was published in 1995. The plan provides an initialassessment of the requirements for climate-related
observations which may be made from satellites andspace-based instruments, and assesses the agency
programmes and plans to assess the degree to whichsatellites are capable of meeting the requirements.
Version 2.0 of the Plan is currently being prepared by
the Global O bserving Systems Space Panel (GO SSP)
jointly established by GCO S, GO O S, and GTO S.
Critical concerns for GCO S focus on equirements
for high quality and representative observations, longterm continuity (although some parameters need not
be continuously under observation), and effective
user access to the database and products fromthem that appropriately combine space-based andin situ information.
In the near term, the planning for GCO S willcontinue to focus on the current capabilities forobservation, in light of the requirements that are
being developed for climate measurements, andon the implementation of important components.
As an Affiliate of CEO S, GCO S will develop anddeliver its recommendations and suggest its priorities
for specific variables, taking into account the user
community needs, the capabilities of various satellite
missions and instruments and available ground-based
systems as appropriate.

131

130

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

D.5 GLOBAL OCEAN OBSERVINGSYSTEM (GOOS)
At the Sixteenth Session of its Assembly in March
1991, the Inter-governmental O ceanographic
Commission (IO C) confirmed its plan to pursue,
as a priority, the development of a Global O cean
O bserving System (GO O S) in co-operation with theWorld Meteorological O rganization (WMO ), United
Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and theInternational Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU).
GO O S is a global framework for systematic ocean
observations: to meet the needs for forecasting climate
variability and change; for assessing the health or stateof the marine environment and its resources, including
the coastal zone; and for supporting an improved
decision-making and management process - one
which takes into account potential natural and manmade changes in the environment and their effects
on human health and resources. Specific GO O S
modules deal with:- monitoring and assessment of marine living
resources;- monitoring of the coastal zone environment
and its changes;- assessment and prediction of the health of theocean; and- marine meteorological and oceanographic services.
The climate monitoring, assessment, and prediction
module of GO O S forms the ocean component of
the GCO S.
GO O S utilises operational observing methods
including both remote sensing and in-situ
measurements. The major elements of the system
include oceanographic observations and analyses,
timely distribution of data and products, data
assimilation into numerical models leading topredictions and capacity building within participating
Member States, especially in developing countries,
to develop analysis and application capability.

D.6 GLOBAL TERRESTRIAL
OBSERVING SYSTEM (GTOS)
The Global Terrestrial O bserving System wasestablished in 1995 by five international organisations
the Food and Agricultural O rganisation of the United
Nations (FAO ), International Commission ScientificUnions (ICSU), United Nations Educational,

Scientific and Cultural O rganisation (UNESCO ),United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) andthe World Meteorological O rganisation (WMO ).
A Steering Committee (GTSC) was established toformulate the overall concept and scope of the GTO S,
to plan for its implementation, and to provide
continuing oversight of the system. The Steering
Committee consists of 17 members from 15 different
countries, including Burkina Faso, India, Columbia,
Venezuela, China, and Tunisia. The GTSC will
establish and update requirements, review existing
programmes to assess their ability to meet theserequirements, and make recommendations forenhancements or new elements, as appropriate. A
Secretariat located at the FAO in R ome supports the
GTSC in its efforts. To assist in these tasks, panels andworking groups to address specific issues, have been,or will be established. To assure close co-operation
between the Global O bserving Systems (G3O S) joint
panels with the Global Climate O bserving System(GCO S), and the Global O cean O bserving System(GO O S) have been set up where there are common
interests between them. For example, the Terrestrial
O bservation Panel for Climate is co-sponsored with
the GCO S, and both the Joint Data and Information
Management Panel and the Global O bserving Systems
Space-based O bservation Panel are jointly sponsoredby GCO S and GO O S .
The central mission of GTO S is to provide the dataneeded to detect, quantify, locate and give warning ofchanges (especially reductions) in the national or global
capacity of terrestrial ecosystems (including freshwaterand coastal areas) in order to support sustainable
development and improvements in human welfare.
Five main initial areas of interest have been identified:
1 The ability of terrestrial ecosystems to support
constantly growing demand for food andagricultural products;
2 The extent to which freshwater resources will beable to meet projected demands;
3 Changes in biological diversity;
4 How terrestrial ecosystems affect and are affectedby global changes such as changes in climate, forest
cover, wetlands;
5 The extent to which threats are posed to terrestrial
ecosystems by toxic pollutants.
An important objective of GTO S is to link scientificinformation with policy development. This will beachieved through equitable partnerships between data
providers and users. Included in these two groups aregovernments, national and international scientificprogrammes, secretariats of international conventions
related to the environment (eg Biodiversity, Climate
Change and Desertification), UN agencies, nongovernmental organisations and the private sector.
GTO S is directed toward specific needs and building
synergies between existing global and regional
observational systems. It is not directed at datacollection for its own sake, and research is not its
major objective. However, GTO S does collaborate
with IGBP, DIVER SITAS and other organisations in
the identification of appropriate sources of data and in
the assembly of appropriate datasets. In this regard,
GTO S co-sponsored with GCO S and GO O S, a major
meeting on In situ O bservations held in September
1996, in Geneva, Switzerland. As a follow up to thatmeeting, GTO S, GCO S and IGBP co-sponsored ameeting of representatives from major ecologicalnetworks in Guernica, Spain, in June 1997. The
participants at that meeting recommended a series ofsteps be taken to form an initial Global O bserving
Systems Network (GO S -Net).

D.7 INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL OFSCIENTIFIC UNIONS (ICSU)The International Council of Scientific Unions wascreated in 1931 to promote international scientificactivity in the different branches of science and theirapplications for the benefit of humanity. Members
include scientific academics/ research councils andscientific unions and the complement of these twogroups provides a wide spectrum of scientific expertise
enabling members to address major international
inter-disciplinary issues which none of them could
handle alone.
The Council seeks to accomplish its role in a
number of ways:- by initiating, designing and co-ordinating majorinternational, inter-disciplinary research
programmes, such as the International GeosphereBiosphere Programme (IGBP);- by creating inter-disciplinary bodies which
undertake activities and research programmes ofinterest to several member bodies - examples
include Antarctic, oceanic, space and water researchand problems of the environment.

132

In addition to these programmes and activities whichseek to surpass the barriers of specialisation, several
bodies set up within ICSU address matters of common
concern to all scientists, such as capacity building inscience, data, technology in developing countries, andethics and freedom in the conduct of science.
The Council also acts as a focus for the exchange ofideas, the communication of scientific information andthe development of scientific standards by organisingconferences, congresses and symposia and publishing awide range of newsletters, handbooks and journals.
ICSU also assists in the creation of networks ofscientists with similar interests and maintains closeworking relations with a number of intergovernmental and non-governmental organisations.
Because ICSU is in contact, through its membership,with hundreds of thousands of scientists world-wide,
it is being increasingly called upon to act as the
spokesman for the world scientific community andas an advisor in matters ranging from ethics to theenvironment.

D.8 INTERNATIONAL GEOSPHERE
BIOSPHERE PROGRAMME (IGBP)In 1986, ICSU decided to launch the International
Geosphere-Biosphere Programme, a study of globalchange. The objective of IGBP is to describe andunderstand the interactive physical, chemical andbiological processes that regulate the total Earth
System, the changes that are occurring in this system,and the manner in which they are influenced byhuman activities.
IGBP is an evolving programme that addresses thosequestions that are deemed to be of greatest importancein contributing to the understanding of the changing
nature of the global environment on a timescale ofdecades to centuries. In particular, IGBP addresses
issues affecting the biosphere, that are most susceptible
to human perturbations and those that will most likely
lead to a practical, predictive capability.
The initial operational phase of the programme focuseson projects aimed at investigating seven such key
questions, including ’how does global change affectglobal ecosystems?’ (being addressed by the Global
Change and Terrestrial Ecosystems (GCTE) project),‘how can our knowledge of components of the Earth
System be integrated and synthesised in a numericalframework that provides predictive capacity?’ (being
addressed by the Global Analysis, Interpretation andModelling (GAIM) task force).

133

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

As the research becomes formulated, attention will befocused on the specific needs for global monitoring,
including observation from space. Long-term (of orderof decades) satellite data will be required for three
overriding reasons:- to document precisely global scale changes in key
variables in order to assess the way Earth as a wholeis evolving with time;- to measure the long term trends in the forcing
functions of global change;- to simultaneously measure several parameters
to study interactive processes which regulate
the Earth System.

D.9 INTER-GOVERNMENTAL
OCEANOGRAPHIC COMMISSION (IOC)The IO C co-ordinates and disseminates informationand data on the state of the world's oceans. This isachieved through a number of research and support
services organised in conjunction with member statesand other international agencies. For example, IO C
(together with WMO ) supports and develops IGO SS(the Integrated Global O cean Services System) andIO C has developed and established GLO SS (theGlobal Sea Level O bserving System). It is also cosponsoring WCR P.
Together with the WMO, ICSU and UNEP, the IO C
is also participating in the programme to establish
GCO S. As a major contributor to that programme, theIO C, together with WMO, UNEP and ICSU, hasembarked on the development of GO O S, a complex
system for collecting, analysing and distributing
physical, chemical and biological data from the oceans.
The climate-related aspects of the GO O S will be
developed jointly with WMO. Coastal monitoring
components will be developed with UNEP andWMO.
The IO C-UNEP programme on Global Investigationsof Pollution in the Marine Environment (GIPME)
concentrates on studies of pollution distribution andimpact particularly in the coastal zones. It also
considers the inputs of pollutants to coastal zones andopen ocean areas.
GIPME and other IO C programmes may be expected
to have an increasing interest in satellite data,
particularly measurements of ocean parameters such assea surface temperature, ocean currents, wind stressand biological properties.

The IO C is supporting the scientific basis for
Integrated Coastal Area Management (ICAM) interalia by emphasising the use and application of remotesensing technology in this context. O cean colour in
combination with other coastal datasets will be aparticularly important component.

D.10 UNITED NATIONSENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP)
Satellite data are used for many activities of UNEP and
its partners, most notably by the Global Resource
Information Database (GR ID). GR ID is a world-widesystem and service for users of environmental data.
Through its many co-operating centres, GR ID
provides access to existing broad-scale public domain
Earth observation data, meta-data and other existinggeo-referenced environmental data which can belinked with remote sensing data. In addition, theGR ID system provides support to geographicalinformation and image processing systems for users
from the international science and development
communities, and brokers training through appropriate
international and regional bodies. GR ID, through its
various co-operators, also supports the analysis ofEarth observation data for global, regional and national
state of environment reporting and provides input to
UNEP’s Global Environment O utlook process.
UNEP’s Environment and Natural Resources
Information Networking (ENR IN) programme strives
to strengthen the state-of-the-environment reporting
capabilities in developing countries. This is achieved inpart by brokering donor support for the effective
application of modern environmental management
tools, such as the analysis of Earth observation data anduse of GIS, to improve the currency and reliability ofthe state-of-the-environment reporting.
The Natural Resources Branch of UNEP and its
collaborators use Earth observation data from satellites
for application in programmes to combat
desertification and soil degradation and in theassessment and management of coastal areas.
Programmes associated with UNEP’s Human Healthand Well-being initiative are also increasingly interested
in the application of satellite Earth observation data forassessing the impact of refugees on the environment.
The data requirements for these activities depend on
the specific environmental problems addressed and on
existing and/ or new international conventions, which
need to be controlled or enforced through Earthobservation satellites.

UNEP further embarked on a programme of satellite
communications development in 1995 in partnershipwith ESA, and more recently the Government of
Norway, designed to improve access to and theexchange of environmental data and information for
decision makers world-wide. The Mercure
telecommunications system, as it is known, is adonation from six ESA member states (Austria,
Belgium, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the UK) to
UNEP that will become operational in 1997, initiallyin 14 industrialised and developing countries. Mercureuses the Intelsat series of satellites for high speed data
communications to link UNEP regional offices andother partner institutions via V-SAT terminals and, atthe same time, provides the backbone for UNEPnet,an environmental internet service linked to the global
Internet. UNEPnet is taking advantage of the
CEO S/ CILS information locator system to improvethe efficiency of environmental information access andexchange on a world-wide basis.

D.11 UNITED NATIONS OFFICE FOR
OUTER SPACE AFFAIRS(UNOOSA) - SPACE APPLICATIONSPROGRAMME (SAP)The United Nations Programme on Space
Applications (SAP), O ffice for O uter Space Affairs(O O SA), is a focal point of the organisation’s efforts toenhance the ability of all countries to utilise spacetechnology for national development. The programme
focuses on promoting co-operation in space scienceand technology, and the exchange of data, informationand experience among developed and developing
countries. It also fosters the development and growthof indigenous centres of space technology indeveloping countries, and the provision of technicaladvisory services on request.
Three activities constitute the priority areas for SAP.
These activities include:- technical support for the Regional Centre for Space
Science and Technology Education established inIndia for Asia-Pacific countries. In the near future
SAP shall also provide technical support to centres
in Latin America, the Caribbean and in Africa, andto a network of educational and research
institutions in a number of Member States of theEC region;- establishment of CO PINE - a satellite-based Cooperative Information Network System that willlink several academic, research and programme134

application institutions, including remote sensing
and environment centres in participating Africancountries, to acquisition stations, and processing
and archiving facilities located in Europe andAfrica. The initial aim of CO PINE is to improvethe collection, transmission, distribution andexchange of information, relating to agriculture,
food security and environmental monitoring
institutions in participating countries;- provision of a focal point for international activities
related to the organisation of regional preparatory
meetings for UNISPACE III Conference.
SAP annually conducts six to eight training courses,
workshops and conferences on different aspects ofspace science and technology and its applications,
including remote sensing. O O SA has also
implemented several projects aimed at an improving
the utilisation of Earth observation data withindeveloping countries. For example, a number ofprojects have been established, in collaboration with
ESA, to provide data and support to institutions in
Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean with the aimof improving the capability of these institutions toutilise Earth observation data in existing economic andenvironmental projects.
O O SA is developing a user-friendly Internet home
page for itself, for the Space Applications Programme
and for the benefit of the general public. Through thissame home page, O O SA also serves as the coordinating node for accessing information on space
activities of the organisations within the United
Nations countries.

D.12 WORLD CLIMATE RESEARCH
PROGRAMME (WCRP)The WCR P undertaken jointly by WMO, ICSU andIO C, is a key international scientific programmeaiming to develop the fundamental understanding of
the physical climate system and climate processes thatis needed to predict climate variations and to
determine the extent of human influence on climate.
The programme encompasses studies of the global
atmosphere, the world oceans, sea and land ice, andthe land surface which together constitute the Earth's
physical climate system. Scientific activity in the
WCR P is organised around a series of large-scale
projects:- The Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment(GEWEX) to study the atmospheric processes and135

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

land-surface/ atmosphere interactions that determine
the global hydrological cycle and energy budget
and their adjustment to changes such as the increaseof greenhouse gases.
- Stratospheric Processes and their R ole in Climate(SPAR C) to investigate the influence of thestratosphere on climate, and the interacting
chemical, dynamical and radiative processes that
control stratospheric changes.
- The World O cean Circulation Experiment(WO CE) to assemble nearly simultaneous
measurements in all ocean basins and to provide, forthe first time, a synoptic view of the world oceans.
- The Climate Variability and Predictability(CLIVAR ) study is now the main thrust in the
WCR P for exploring climate variations on atimescale of seasons to decades occurring naturally
or as a result of anthropogenic effects.
- The Arctic Climate System Study (ACSYS) to
investigate the role of the Arctic as an interactive
component of the climate system and to assess
exchanges of Arctic freshwater (or ice) with theadjoining oceans.
- Climate System Modelling to build on the advancesin the other WCR P projects and to develop thecomprehensive models of the climate systemneeded to predict natural variations andanthropogenic climate change.

D.13 WORLD METEOROLOGICALORGANISATION (WMO)
This section outlines the development of the WMO ’ssatellite data requirements. The detailed satellite datarequirements described in this section are followed bya description of instrument types and candidate sensors
for each parameter.
Draft WMO satellite data requirements were presented
at the April 1992 CEO S meeting in London, based on
the report of the tenth session of the WMO Executive
Council Panel of Experts on Satellites (ECSAT) which
met in March 1992. Since 1992, a user dialogue has
been established such that the requirements have beenfurther refined by the Panel of Experts and presented
to the WMO Executive Council as part of the Panel's
final report in March 1993. The 45th WMO
Executive Council was of the opinion that the"Final Report from the EC Panel of Experts on
Satellites" recorded important milestones andachievements in the history of the panel. It suggested
that the new Commission for Basic Systems (CBS)Working Group on Satellites should continue toupdate the report and its various sections as
appropriate and when required. It noted that thestatements of satellite data requirements, principles anddefinitions were a useful synthesis of requirements andwould be of benefit to WMO programmes andplanning, and to space agencies.
Lists of parameters to be observed and the quality ofobservations made have been compiled by many
WMO Technical Commissions and many committees
in charge of international programmes. These lists canbe found in the documentation provided to ECSAT
and discussed in a number of session reports. This
documentation was consolidated by ECSAT into a“shortlist” which should be more useful to satellite
mission planners (eg CEO S space agencies) than thevoluminous original information, which does notclearly discriminate what should be expected fromsatellites versus what is more appropriate forgroundbased global observing systems.
The requirements, as determined by ECSAT, wereexpressed in terms of geophysical parameters. Data
quality must be specified at the same time as the datarequirement, in order to prevent misunderstandings on
the feasibility assessment (a data requirement cannot be
considered fulfilled if the quality is insufficient for thedata to have a real impact on the application). Data
quality is specified in terms of horizontal resolution,
vertical resolution (if applicable), frequency of theobservation, and accuracy. As quality requirements aredifferent for the different scales of application, two
figures were generally quoted, namely for global scaleand limited areas respectively.
The WMO Commission for Basic Systems Working
Group on Satellites (CBS WGSAT) met in March
1994 and reviewed the list of WMO satellite datarequirements prepared by ECSAT. The objectives of
the CBS WGSAT, with regard to the satellite datarequirements, were: to build upon the work of the
EC Panel of Experts on Satellites (ECSAT) incollecting, collating, keeping under review,interpreting and promoting to potential providers andtheir agents, statements of the satellite data, products
and services required by WMO Members; to reassure
the user community that their needs are being
properly interpreted and promoted; to assist developing

countries to identify opportunities to make use ofsatellite data, products and services.
WGSAT agreed to accomplish these objectives:
through publications and statements written forpotential data, product and service providers; in thecontext of WMO's general requirements for space andground based observations, by providing draft material
suitable for use in maintaining and updating the Guide
and Manual on the GOS; and by some form of
database of requirements that retains their heritage,
so that the ownership and responsibility for continued
verification are clear.
WGSAT also agreed that it would: prepare a criticalreview of WMO requirements for satellite data,
products and allied services, and of the capabilities tomeet them; conduct the critical review by pursuing a"pathfinder" approach, ie, by revising requirements fordata and adding requirements for products and allied
services for a few, representative applications before
applying the approach to capture all relevant WMO
requirements; and accordingly, characterise the sourcesof requirements for operational meteorology andclimate research.
Observational requirements were discussed at theSecond Session of the CBS Working Group on
Satellites (CBS WGSAT-II) held in Geneva from 15 to
19 April. The working group noted the activities that
had occurred in the inter-sessional period since its firstsession in preparing a "critical review" of the capabilities
and potential of present, planned and proposed satellite
systems to fulfill the stated observational requirements ofapplications within WMO's approved programmes. It
noted that the "critical review" followed the model
proposed in the "R olling Review of User
Requirements" and utilised the format proposed by the
CEOS Task Force on Long-term Planning and Analysis
as well as the data contained in the WMO Secretariat
databases. The group also noted the report of theExtraordinary Session of CBS held in Helsinki in 1994
which provided overall guidance to working groups on
the requirements review process within WMO. The
inputs to the "critical review" were:- a statement of the combined observational
requirements for applications within WMO 's
approved programmes, and- an inventory of the capabilities and potential of
instruments on present, planned and proposed
Earthobserving satellites.

136

The working group then discussed a general procedure
within which the users' requirements for observations
and the capabilities of existing, planned and proposed
observing systems to provide them would be reviewed,
and through which guidance on appropriate observing
systems to meet the users' requirements would be
developed. There are four steps:(1) develop user requirements,(2) review observing system capabilities,(3) perform a critical review, and(4) develop guidance on feasibility of meeting
requirements.
It was recommended that the user requirements should
be user oriented, not system dependent. Although
directed principally towards the capabilities of satellite
systems to meet the observational requirements of
WMO programmes, the working group noted that the
proposed procedures could have wider application
within WMO. O f utmost importance, was the ability
to maintain heritage and the ability to provide
feedback to the WMO Technical Commissions. The
four components of the review process would be
carried out periodically by the working group.
As part of the ongoing process of evolving WMO
satellite data requirements, the working group was
briefed on the relational database developed by the
Secretariat that contained a description of the present
requirements of the various user communities as well
as a description of the expected performance ofpresent and future satellite systems. The group fully
endorsed the valuable work of the WMO Secretariat
in maintaining this database on user requirements andsatellite instruments and capabilities. This wasrecognised as a valuable data source for undertaking
the periodic reviews. To ensure the database on
satellite instrument capabilities was kept up to date, it
was suggested that it should be updated annually after
the CEO S plenary meeting based on the presentations
at the meeting. The database should include a recordof when the most recent update was made on eachparameter. The members of the working group would
have the opportunity to review the requirement andinstrument database during each update.
It was agreed the requirements should be developed
for the 2000-2010 time frame. During the meeting,
the working group members started a review of thecontents of the database on user requirements andsatellite instruments. O ne group member was

137

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

E Abbreviations
nominated to be responsible for the updated tables foreach application area. It was agreed that revised tables
would be sent out to experts nominated by the groupfor an independent review.
The working group reviewed the progress indeveloping a critical analysis of satellite datarequirements. The analysis was performed to clarify
and interpret the requirements for all WMO
Programmes and would be used as input for various
sources of data requirements. An overall approach
adopted was the use of O rder of Magnitude (O O M)
to express representative requirements for selected
applications. The use of O O M allowed the selected
application requirements to be expressed as: a single
value with a half order of magnitude range; a needed
range that was a half order of magnitude range centredon the requirement; a target range that was a quarter
O O M range higher; and a useful range that was aquarter O O M range lower. This approach allowed theselected applications to be expressed on a single sheetwith four descriptors: a requirements summary; anassessment of instruments and missions; an assessmentof systems and plans; and an overall evaluation. Moredetailed information for a particular application could
be provided on a second sheet. Such an approach gavea clear and succinct description of the situation yet was
detailed enough for most purposes and met with theapproval of the working group. The principal aim of
the summary sheets was to provide a clear indication
to the WMO Technical Commissions and the space
agencies if there were any major gaps or duplication in
the satellite observing system. It would not provide a
detailed analysis of a specific requirement.

A draft “Critical Review” was prepared using
observational requirements in response to the
WGSAT-II action item and distributed to working
group members for comments. Comments highlighted
a need to review the methodology by which the limits
of usefulness and goals for observational requirements
were met. As a result of the review, it was decided tostate observational requirements in terms of goals andlimit of usefulness through the use of
Maximum/ Minimum characteristics. Maximum andminimum figures would be provided for horizontal
and vertical resolution, accuracy, observing cycle anddelay of availability. Maximum implied the figure
which need not be exceeded, eg a maximum
horizontal resolution of 1km means that an observing
system need not measure at 0.5km. Minimum implied
the limit at which useful data would be added for aparticular application. A methodology using Max/ Min
has been evaluated and provided the best manner tostate requirements.

This annex provides a list of the abbreviations used in
the text with the exception of satellite mission andinstrument names. The reader is referred to annexes A
and B respectively for these.
ACSYS

Arctic Climate System StudyAES

Atmospheric Environment Service

AG

Analysis GroupAO SIS

Alliance of Small Island States

ARTEMIS

Africa Real Time Environmental
Monitoring using Imaging Satellites

ASI

Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (Italian Space
Agency)BAHC

Biospheric Aspects of the Hydrological
Cycle

BNSC

British National Space Centre

BR DF

Bi-directional Reflectance Distribution
Functions

CSIRO

Commonwealth Scientificand Industrial Research O rganisation(Australian Space Research
O rganisation)

DAR A

Deutsche Agentur für R aumfahrtAngelegenheiten (German Space
Agency)DMSPDefense Meteorological Satellite
Programme

EC

European Commission

ECMWF

European Centre for Medium-range
Weather Forecasting

ECSAT

Executive Council Panelof Experts on Satellites

ENR IN

Environment and Natural Resources
Information Networking

EO

Earth observation

ESA

European Space Agency

ESCAP

Economic and Social Commission ofAsia and the Pacific

ESINAP

Earth Space Information Network for
Asia and the Pacific

CAST

Chinese Academy of Space Technology

CBS

Commission for Basic Systems

CCR S

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing

CEO S

Committee on Earth O bservation
Satellites

CFC

Chlorofluorocarbon

FAO

Food and Agriculture O rganisation

CILS

CEO S Information Locator Service

FCCC

CLIVAR

Climate Variability and Prediction
Research Programme

Framework Convention on Climate
Change

G3O S

CNES

Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales(French Space Agency)

Global O bserving Systems:
GCO S, GO O S, GTO S

G7Group of Seven Industrial Nations

EUMETSAT European O rganisation for the
Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites

CO PINE

Co-operative Information
Network System

GAIM

Global Analysis,
Interpretation and Modelling

CR I

Crown Research Institute(New Zealand)

GCO S

Global Climate O bserving System

CSA

Canadian Space Agency

GCTE

Global Change andTerrestrial Ecosystems

138

139

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

GEWEX

Global Energy andWater Cycle Experiment

IGO SS

Integrated O cean Services Station
SystemGIPME

Global Investigations of Pollution in the
Marine Environment

INPE

Instituto Nacional dePesquisas Espaciais(Brazilian Space Agency)

Global O cean Euphotic
Zone Study

IO CInter-governmental
O ceanographic Commission

O CA

O ceans and Coastal Areas

GO O S

Global O cean O bserving System

IPCC

Inter-disciplinary Panelon Climate Change

OOMO rder of Magnitude

GO S-Net

Global O bserving Systems Network

IR

Infra-RedO O PCO cean O bservation Panel for Climate

GO SSP

Global O bserving System
Space Panel

ISCCP

International Satellite
Cloud Climatology ProjectO O SAO ffice of O uter Space Affairs

GPCP

Global Precipitation
Climatology Project

ISRO

Indian Space Research O rganisation

GPS

Global Positioning System

JDIMP

GR ID

Global Resource
Information Database

Joint Data and Information
Management PanelJGO FS

Joint Global O cean Flux Study

JR C

Joint Research Centre

JSTC

Joint Scientific andTechnical Committee

GO EZS

GTO S

GTSC

Global Terrestrial
O bserving System
Global Terrestrial
Steering Committee

Land-O cean Interactionsin the Coastal Zone

Integrated Coastal
Area Management

ICSU

International Councilof Scientific Unions

IDN

International Directory Network

IDNDRInternational Decade for Natural
Disaster Reduction

IEO SCInternational Earth O bservation Satellite
Committee

IGAC

International Global Atmosphere
Chemistry Project

NESDISInternational Geosphere-Biosphere
Programme

NIR

Near Infra-Red

NOAA

National O ceanic and Atmospheric

IGO S

International Groupof Funding Agencies for global change
research
Integrated Global O bserving Strategy

NSC

Norwegian Space Centre

NWP

Numerical Weather Prediction

O STC

Federal O ffice for Scientific,
Technical and Cultural Affairs

Terrestrial Ecosystems Branch

TIR

Thermal Infra-Red

TO PC

Terrestrial O bservation
Panel for Climate

UNCED

United Nations Conference
on Environment and Development

UNEP

United Nations Environment
Programme

UNO O SAUN O ffice of O uter Space Affairs

WCR P

World Climate Research Programme

WGCVWorking Group on Calibration andValidation

Past Global Changes

WGISS

Working Group on
Information Systems and Services

WGSAT

Working Group on Satellites

R ESAP

Regional Space Applications

WMO

World Meteorological O rganization

WO CE

World O cean Circulation Experiment

WWW

World-Wide Web

RO SHYDRO MET
R ussian Federal Service for
Hydrometeorology and Environment
Monitoring
R SA

R ussian Space Agency

NASA

National Aeronautics

SAR

Synthetic Aperture R adarand Space Administration

SC

Steering Committee

National Space

SFCG

Space Frequency
Co-ordination Group

SIT

Strategic Implementation TeamSM

Support Measures

SNSB

Swedish National Space Board

SPAR C

Stratospheric Processes and their R ole
in Climate

Administration

SST

Sea Surface Temperature

National Remote Sensing Center of

STA

Science and Technology
Agency of Japan

Development Agency of Japan

China

TEB

PAGES

Land Use and Cover Change

NR SCCTo be confirmed

Working Group on Data

LUCC

Information Service

TBC

WGD

Local sun time

National Environment Satellite Data

Short Wave Infra-Red

Programme Activity Centre

LST

NASDA

SWIR

PAC

Programme

ICAM

IGFA

National Space Agency of Ukraine(Belgium)

LO ICZ

IGBP

NSAU

140

141

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

F CEOS information on the net
POINTS OF CONTACT
Secretariat
Further information on CEO S activities can beobtained from the CEO S Secretariat:
NASA/ NOAA
300 E Street, SW
Washington, DC 20546
USA+ 1 202 358 0793 (voice)+ 1 202 358 2798 (fax)lisa.shaffer@hq.nasa.gov
leslie.charles@hq.nasa.gov
brent.smith@noaa.gov
ESA
8-10, rue Mario-Nikis
75738 Paris Cedex 15
France+ 33 (0) 1 53 69 7550 (voice)+ 33 (0) 1 53 69 7735 (fax)harend@hq.esa.fr
STA/ NASDA
STA
2-2-1, Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100
Japan+ 81 3 3581 1678 (voice)+ 81 3 3501 3683 (fax)ceosj@ipx.tksc.nasda.go.jp
NASDA
2-4-1 Hamamatsu-cho
Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-60
Japan+ 81 3 3438 6331 (voice)+ 81 3 5401 8702/ 3 (fax)ceosj@ipx.tksc.nasda.go.jp
CEO S comprises two standing working groups: theWorking Group on Information Systems and Services(WGISS) and the Working Group on Calibration andValidation (WGCV).

WGISSInformation about the Working Group on Information
Systems and Services (WGISS) can be obtained bycontacting the WGISS Chair or by accessing the
WGISS homepage at http:/ / earth1.esrin.esa.it/ wgiss

Mr Takashi Moriyama
STA/ NASDA+ 81 3 3438 6332 (voice)+ 81 3 5401 8703 (fax)moriyama.takashi@nasda.go.jp(from start December 1997)

INFOSYSPROMOTION OF EO APPLICATIONS

Information is available on-line via the CEO S Infosys
at http:/ / ceos.esrin.esa.it/ infosys

Information on the “Special Report on Successful
Applications of EO Satellite Data” can be obtained bycontacting Ms Kazuko Misawa (see above for contact
details).

The WGISS yellow pages can be accessed at:
http:/ / www.smithsys.co.uk/ yp

INTERNATIONAL D IRECTORY
NETWORK (ID N)WGISS SUBGROUPS:- Access Subgroup:
http:/ / ceos.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca- Data Subgroup:
http:/ / www.dfd.dlr.de/ CEO S/ DS/ d_ds_m- Networks Subgroup:
http:/ / nic.nasa.gov/ ceos-ns

WGCV
Information on the activities of WGCV can beobtained from: http:/ / www.eos.co.uk/ ceos-calval orby contacting the WGCV Chair.

Information on specific Earth science dataset holdings,
including many satellite-related observations can beobtained from the CEO S International Directory
Network (IDN – see section 2). There are manymeans of access to the IDN, but the initial point ofcontact might be through one of the regional coordinating nodes at:NASA
http:/ / gcmd.nasa.gov/ ceosidn
ESA
http:/ / gds.esrin.esa.it/ CEURO _IDN_HP
NASDA
http:/ / gcmd.eoc.nasda.go.jp

WGCV Chair:
Dr Alan Belward
JR C+ 39 332 789 298(voice)+ 39 332 789 298 (fax)alan.belward@jrc.it

UNEP
http:/ / www.grid.unep.org
For those without internet access, the IDN may beaccessed via telnet at:

WGCV SUBGROUPS:- Terrain Mapping Subgroup:
http:/ / www.eos.co.uk/ ceos-calval/ info/ tm- Microwave Sensors Subgroup:
http:/ / www.eos.co.uk/ ceos-calval/ info/ ms- SAR Calibration Subgroup:
http:/ / www.eos.co.uk/ ceos-calval/ info/ sar- Infra-red and Visible O ptical Sensors Subgroup:
http:/ / www.eos.co.uk/ ceos-calval/ info/ ivos
WGCV also provides the science community withinformation on existing and planned cal-val
laboratories, test sites, and field instruments. An
information service is available fromhttp:/ / spso.gsfc.nasa.gov/ calval/ homepage.

CEOS DATABASEThe on-line CEO S Database can be accessed at:
http:/ / ceos.esrin.esa.it/ dossier

WGISS Chair:
Ms Helen Wood
NOAA/ NESDIS+ 1 301 457 5120 (voice)+ 1 301 457 5184 (fax)hwood@nesdis.noaa.gov(until end N ovember 1997)

telnet gcmd.gsfc.nasa.gov (192.107.190.77)
Username: gcdir

CEOS INFORMATION LOCATORSERVICE (CILS)
The CEO S Information Locator Service (CILS) can
be contacted at the following points of the CILS
network.
http:/ / cils.dlr.de
http:/ / cils.jrc.it
http:/ / cils.unep.org
http:/ / cils.eoc.csiro.au

NEWSLETTERThe CEO S Newsletter supplements the latest
information available on-line about CEO S and is
distributed internationally on a 6-monthly basis.
Subscription requests should be sent to :Ms Kazuko Misawa
NASDA/ EO PD+ 81 3 3438 6334 (voice)+ 81 3 5401 8703 (fax)ceosj@ipx.tksc.nasda.go.jp
misawa.kazuko@nasda.go.jp

142

Further information about the CD-RO M entitled“Resources in Earth O bservation” may be obtained bycontacting:
Mr Jeff Kingwell
CSIRO+ 61 2 6216 7222 (fax)jeff.kingwell@cossa.csiro.au
A further development of the CD-RO M is expected
to be produced during 1997 - incorporating a newrange of case studies and tutorial materials for users.
For further information contact:
Mr Jean Pierre Antikidis
CNES+ 33 5 61 27 40 13 (fax)antikidis@cst.cnes.fr

IGOS
Further information about IGO S can be obtained bycontacting the Chairs of the Strategic Implementation
Group (SIT) and Analysis Group (AG).
SITDr Brian Embleton
CSIRO+ 61 2 6216 7222 (fax)brian.embleton@cossa.csiro.au
AG
Mr Yukio Haruyama
STA/ NASDA+ 81 3 5401 8702/ 3 (fax)haruyama@rd.tksc.nasda.go.jp

FREQUENCY ALLOCATION PLANNING
In recognition of the need to represent the Earthobservation community in bodies such as theInternational Telecommunications Union, and theWorld R adio Conference, CEO S plans to identify, coordinate, and register members’ interests in theseinternational issues through an Ad-hoc Co-ordination
Group on Spectrum Management.
Further information on this group’s activities can beobtained by contacting:
Dr Korehiro Maeda
STA/ NASDA+ 81 3 5470 4222 (fax)maeda.korehiro@nasda.go.jp

1431997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook

G CEOS agencies on the net
CEOS Members

CEOS AFFILIATESAgenzia Spaziale Italianna (ASI)

http:/ / www.asi.it

British National Space Centre (BNSC)

http:/ / www.open.gov.uk/ bnsc/ bnschome

Canadian Space Agency (CSA)

http:/ / www.science.sp-agency.ca

Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales (CNES)

http:/ / www.cnes.fr

Chinese Academy of Space Technology (CAST)

Economic and Social Commissionof Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)

http:/ / www.un.org/ DEPTS/ escap

Food and Agriculture O rganization (FAO )http:/ / www.fao.org

Global Climate O bserving System (GCO S)

http:/ / www.wmo.ch/ web/ gcos/ gcoshome

Global O cean O bserving System (GO O S)

http:/ / www.unesco.org/ ioc/ iocgoos

Global Terrestrial O bserving System (GTO S)

http:/ / www.fao.org/ GTO S/ default

Commonwealth Scientific &Industrial Research O rganisation (CSIRO )http:/ / www.cossa.csiro.au

International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU)

http:/ / www.Imcp.jussieu.fr/ icsu/ index

Deutsche Agentur für R aumfahrt-Angelegenheiten (DAR A)

http:/ / isis.dlr.de

International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP)

http:/ / www.igbp.kva.se

European Commission (EC)

http:/ / www.sai.org

Inter-governmental O ceanographic Commission (IO C)

http:/ / www.unesco.org/ / ioc

European O rganisation for the Explorationof Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT)

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

http:/ / unep.unep.org

http:/ / www.eumetsat.deEuropean Space Agency (ESA)

http:/ / www.esrin.esa.it

United Nations O fficeof O uter Space Affairs (UNO O SA)

http:/ / www3.un.or.at/ O O SA-Kiosk/ index

World Climate Research Programme (WCR P)

http:/ / www.wmo.ch/ web/ wrcp/ wrcp-home

World Meteorological O rganisation (WMO )http:/ / www.wmo.ch/ Welcome

Indian Space Research O rganisation (ISRO )Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE)

http:/ / www.inpe.br

National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA)

http:/ / www.nasa.gov

National O ceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

http:/ / www.noaa.gov

CEOS OBSERVERSNational Remote Sensing Center of China (NR SCC)
National Space Agency of Ukraine (NSAU
National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA)

http:/ / www.nasda.go.jp

R ussian Federal Service for Hydrometeorology
and Environment Monitoring (RO SHYDRO MET)

Federal O ffice for Scientific,
Technical and Cultural Affairs (O STC)

http:/ / www.belspo.be/ home_e

Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCR S)

http:/ / www.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/ ccrs/ homepg

Crown Research Institute (CR I)

http:/ / www.landcare.cri.nz

Norwegian Space Centre (NSC)

http:/ / www.spacecentre.no

R ussian Space Agency (R SA)
Science & Technology Agency (STA)

http:/ / www.sta.go.jp

Swedish National Space Board (SNSB)

144

145

1997 CEO S Yearbook

1997 CEO S Yearbook