EXPLORING A DEDICATED SATELLITE MISSION FOR THE MONITORING OF NEAR EQUATORIAL FORESTS

摘要

Remote sensing experts have expressed a need for remote sensing data on near equatorial forests. The cost/performance ratio of small remote sensing satellites may be such that a mission specific satellite can be conceived and funded for mission specific utilisation. The mission was analysed with particular emphasis on optimising for cloud cover and a dedicated launch for a micro-satellite. The cloud cover patterns indicate that the traditional time of passing of 10:00am is the optimum, even at the equator. With this information two satellites were designed, one with a wide swath and the other with a high resolution capability. The satellites can be independently launched with a dedicated launch vehicle to provide an operational service by a specified date for the remote sensing of near equatorial forests.