The MINI METSAT: A Small Low-Cost Advanced Technology Weather System

Spectrum Research, the ITT Aerospace Optical Division and the E-Systems Garland Division describe a system design concept for a 350-lb class small weather satellite system which includes a high-performance meteorological imaging instrument and a completely mobile satellite command, control and weather data processing terminal. The system can be made compatible with either civil or military weather data collection and processing systems, and it is interoperable with existing ground terminals. The system permits collection of high-resolution weather imagery in five spectral bands, and can be launched on a variety of lower-cost small space boosters. Applications discussed include cloud imagery, determination of cloud height, soil moisture and sea surface temperature determination, location of sea ice, and thermal IR imaging of wildfires.