1st Edition

Building Earth Observation Cameras

By George Joseph Copyright 2015
    368 Pages
    by CRC Press

    368 Pages 12 Color & 155 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    A System Engineer’s Guide to Building an Earth Observation Camera

    Building Earth Observation Cameras discusses the science and technology of building an electro-optical imaging system for a space platform from concept to space qualification and in-orbit evaluation. The book provides a broad overview of various Earth imaging systems with specific examples illustrating the design and development issues that impacted the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) cameras, and is based on the actual experience of the author, who was intimately involved with the development of cameras for the IRS program.

    It equips imaging system project managers, scholars, and researchers with the ability to look deeper into the systems that they are developing, and arms application scientists who use satellite imagery with a greater understanding of the technical aspects and terminology used in defining the performance of the image system. The text traces the historical development of imaging systems, reviews the evolution of Earth observation systems from a global perspective, and examines future trends.

    This interdisciplinary work:

    • Presents technical issues associated with the design, fabrication, and characterization of the camera
    • Provides a narrow focus and end-to-end solutions to all components involved in a successful camera-on-Earth observation system
    • Covers various stages including image formation, optics, opto-mechanics, material choice, design tradeoffs, fabrication, evaluation, and finally qualifying the system for space use

    Building Earth Observation Cameras provides the tools needed to enable readers to better understand the concepts and challenges involved in building space-based Earth observation systems.

    Introduction

    Remote Sensing

    The Civilian Earth Imaging System

    The Indian Earth Observation Program-the evolution

    The Earth Observation System – The Paradigm Shift:

    References

    Image Formation

    Electromagnetic Radiation

    Some Useful Terminologies of Imaging System

    Aberrations

    Wave Optics

    Image Quality Evaluation

    Modulation Transfer Function

    Source of EM Radiation for Imaging

    Radiometric Consideration

    References

    Imaging Optics

    Refractive Optics

    Reflective and Catadioptic Systems

    Stray Light Control and Baffling

    Building Reflective Telescope

    References

    Earth Observation Camera - An Overview

    Spatial Resolution

    Spectral Resolution

    Radiometric Resolution

    Temporal Resolution

    Performance specification

    Imaging Modes

    On-orbit Performance Evaluation

    References

    Opto-Mechanical Scanners

    Principle of Operation

    Scanning Systems

    Collecting Optics

    Dispersive System and Focal Plane Layout

    Detectors

    System Design Considerations

    Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+)

    References

    Pushbroom Imagers

    Principle of Operation

    Linear Array for Pushbroom Scanning

    CCD Signal Generation and Processing

    Space borne Pushbroom Cameras

    IRS Cameras - LISS &

    The IRS C/D Camera

    RESOURCESAT Series

    SPOT Earth Observation Camera

    Landsat -Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM)

    Hybrid Scanner

    References

    Sub-meter Imaging

    Considerations for Realising High Resolution Imaging System

    Increasing the Integration Time

    Choosing Faster Optics

    Data Transmission

    Constraints on the Satellite

    Imaging Cameras with Sub-meter Resolution

    What Limits the Spatial Resolution?

    References

    Hyperspectral Imaging

    Hyperspectral Imaging Configuration

    Spectrometers - An Overview

    Distortions - ''Smile'' and ''Keystone'' Effects

    Hyperspectral Imaging Instruments

    References

    Adding the Third Dimension - Stereo Imaging

    Stereo Pair Generation Geometries

    Along-Track Stereo Using Multiple Telescopes

    Stereo Pairs with Single Optics

    References

    Journey from Ground to Space

    Launch Environment

    Space Environment

    Space Hardware Realisation Approach

    Environmental Tests

    Reviews

    Parts/Components Procurement

    Reliability and Quality Assurance

    References

    Appendix. Representative Imageries

    Biography

    Dr. George Joseph started his career in 1962 at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, where he was involved in the study of cosmic rays. For his pioneering work on the detection of the emission of neutrons from the sun, he was awarded a PhD in 1971. In 1973, he joined the Space Applications Centre (SAC), one of the major centers of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), primarily for developing Earth observation systems. Under his leadership, a variety of Earth observation cameras were developed for the Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS) and the Indian National Satellite (INSAT).

    "... This is a unique book containing the details of design philosophy in an integrated manner. I am not aware of any other book which covers so many aspects relating to the earth observation cameras, containing such a vast amount of knowledge and information at one place. If I were to teach a course on the subject, I would find no better book. ..."
    —Kehar Singh, IIT Delhi, New Delhi, India, and ITM University, Gurgaon, Haryana, India, from the Journal of the Indian Society of Remote Sensing, 2015

    "... a comprehensive and very accessible book ... packed with useful information; 350 pages covering every aspect of the design of the wide range of optical cameras used in space. The emphasis on Indian missions is helpful both in the detail provided of individual sensors and in understanding the principles discussed in the book. The sections which deal with constraints and trade-offs, particularly those related to future developments, are useful and stimulating. ... An extensive list of references will allow those interested in more detail and background to extend their knowledge. In this age of small satellites and inexpensive sensors, understanding the system which produces the data is very important: Dr Joseph has made an important contribution to the understanding of what can, and cannot, be done with earth observation sensors."
    —Ian Dowman, University College London, UK

    "...an extremely nice blend of fundamental concepts needed to build space borne camera systems and its engineering aspects.… the subject matter is explained so lucidly that a professional will enjoy reading it."
    —Dr. Krishna Gupta, ASML Lithography Division, Wilton, Connecticut, USA

    "… excellent … The author is a renowned expert in IRS imaging systems … the book is replete with his own practical experiences and is one of the best-source book for electro-optical system. … will appeal to that large community across the world."
    —Mukund Rao, International Consultant in EO, GIS, and Space