Instruments and Technologies for Earth Observation Satellite Missions

The acquisition of global data through remote sensing satellite missions has become of utmost importance for environmental monitoring, weather prediction, and climate change research, as it offers observations with high spatial and spectral resolution over large areas of the Earth. At the heart of these missions is a large variety of space-borne active and passive instruments which provide a wealth of data to study the Earth system from a regional to global scale. The development of new sensor technologies and their utilization are essential to further advance the capabilities of Earth observation from space. The implementation of innovative hardware devices is complemented by theoretical model simulations, dedicated calibration measurements, and validation activities to assess and optimize the instrument performance and data product quality of the satellite mission.



The goal of this Research Topic is to provide an overview of existing and novel technologies that are implemented in today’s satellite missions for remote sensing applications and those planned for the coming years. This comprises both active and passive sensors including, amongst others, multi- and hyperspectral imagers, (Spectro) radiometers, polarimeters, as well as different types of radar and lidar instruments. Recent developments in terms of sensor design, operation modes, and data retrieval are highlighted with regard to the optimization of instrument performance, improvement of the remote sensing accuracy and resolution, and enhancement of the scientific exploitation of the acquired data. The advances in the capabilities of space-borne remote sensing are demonstrated by theoretical and experimental validation studies. The Research Topic aims at reflecting the state-of-the-art of space-borne remote sensing instruments and the assessment of their performance as well as the introduction of novel concepts that are envisaged for future satellite missions.



The scope of this Research Topic covers recent developments in the field of space-borne active and passive sensors, including their structural design, measurement principle, calibration schemes as well as (pre-launch) simulation and validation studies. It provides a compilation of state-of-the-art remote sensing technologies for current and upcoming space applications.



In particular, but not exclusively, this Research Topic welcomes submissions (Original Research, Methods, or Perspective) addressing the following topics:

• Imagers and radiometers (high spatial and or radiometric resolution, stereoscopy, multi- and hyperspectral);

• Spectrometers (imaging, multi-object, miniaturized, Fabry-Perot, Fizeau, Echelle);

• Radars and lidars for cloud, aerosol, and wind measurements, greenhouse gas monitoring, altimetry, and ranging;

• Polarimeters (scanning, imaging, aerosol measurements).

Keywords: passive remote sensors, active remote sensors, imagers, radiometers, spectrometers, polarimeters, radar, lidar, instrument design, retrieval algorithms, calibration and validation studies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.