CURRENT DEVELOPMENT STATUS AND FUTURE TRENDS FOR HIGH RESOLUTION OPTICAL EARTH OBSERVATION SATELLITES

摘要

The aim of this paper is to analyze current development status of high resolution (GSD 4 meter) optical earth observation satellite systems and portray future trends of their developments. The technical data of high resolution optical earth observation satellite are collected from public domains, such as web sites, open literatures etc., and development status of remote sensing satellites are described through three categories: (1) image sensors, (2) spacecraft capability, and (3) orbit characteristics. Finally, based on our analysis, several development trends are also observed. NSPO of Taiwan not only owes and operates FORMOSAT-2 remote sensing satellite, but also indigenously develops its FORMOSAT-5, scheduled to be launched in 2015. These activities demonstrate NSPO's determination to compete in the world arena of earth observation satellites. With those trends in mind, NSPO's plan for next generation remote sensing satellites becomes realistic and tangible.