The role of emerging technologies in imagery for disaster monitoring and disaster relief assistance

Abstract

Emerging technologies enable new concepts in low-cost Earth observing constellations. In this paper we posit an architecture that addresses a largely unmet need for real-time disaster monitoring and disaster relief assistance. A satellite based system capable of being controlled from, and downlinking data to, a relatively primitive ground site would be invaluable for focusing disaster relief efforts. In this concept, real-time continuous high resolution imagery from a system capable of selecting wavelength bands for specific needs would be implemented. The system is comprised of elements at geosynchronous and L1 altitudes. From geosynchronous altitude, focused high-value imagery is provided by steerable cameras with a 250m resolution. At L1, full disk imagery provides context for mesoscale high resolution imagery.