Towards compact fire infrared radiance spectral tracker (c-FIRST)

In this presentation we will describe the technologies developed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for space remote sensing applications in mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) and long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) spectral regions. Remote sensing and characterization of high temperature targets on the Earth’s surface is required for many cross-disciplinary science investigations and applications including fire and volcano impacts on ecology, the carbon cycle, and atmospheric composition. For decades this research has been hindered by insufficient spatial resolution and/or detector saturation of satellite sensors operating at short and mid-infrared wavelengths (1-5μm) where the spectral radiance from high temperature (>800 K) surfaces is most significant. To address this critical need, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and partnering institutions are developing a compact modular high dynamic range (HDR) multispectral imager concept, with the flexibility to operate in the short, mid- or long-wavelength infrared spectral bands.