Future Intelligent Earth Observing Satellites

摘要

This paper presents a simulated architecture of an envisioned future intelligent Earth observing satellite system (FIEOS). The proposed system is a space-based architecture for dynamic and comprehensive on-board integration of Earth observing sensors, data processors and communication systems. It is intended to enable simultaneous, global measurements and timely analyses of Earth's environment for a variety of users. This paper also reports our progress of initial research in on-board image database management, including data structure, data model, and query. The intelligence of EO satellite system lies in that common users would access data directly, and in a manner similar to selecting a TV channel. The imagery viewed would most likely be obtained directly from the satellite system. The future of this system is promising for Earth observation. Real-time information systems are key to solving the challenges associated with this innovative architecture. Realization of such a technologically complex system will require contributions of scientists and engineers from many disciplines. Hopefully, this revolutionary concept will impact dramatically how future Earth observing satellite's development in the next few decades.