Advanced sensor systems - Thematic mapper and beyond

Advanced sensor systems operating from earth orbit are overviewed. Thematic Mapper (launch date: July 1982 aboard Landsat-4) offers new spectral data with a resolution of 30 meters for its ground image field of view. The French SPOT system is being built for a mid-1980s launch and will feature rapid data delivery and a guaranteed ten year service continuity. The Japanese MOS and LOS systems are under development for launches in the second half of this decade. NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center has received completed design studies for a multispectral linear array sensor. Results of a study to identify fundamental research issues in electromagnetic sensors and signal handling show that ample technology is available to design systems to meet user needs; the major problem is to get the user to state those needs in a manner that will lead to rational system design.