Taking Earth’s Temperature from a Tiny Satellite

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 - 08:50 in Astronomy & Space

PROJECT Compact Infrared Radiometer in Space (CIRiS) instrument on a CubeSat SNAPSHOT To demonstrate for the first time from a small satellite the ability to collect, process and calibrate infrared images of Earth. A technician conducts pre-ship inspection on the CIRiS instrument developed and built by Ball Aerospace. Credit: Ball Aerospace A new miniature sensor, in conjunction with robust data processing techniques, is enabling a satellite the size of a backpack is to reveal Earth’s temperature from space. The Compact Infrared Radiometer in Space instrument on a CubeSat, also known as CIRiS, began its orbit around Earth on Jan. 31, 2020, following its launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida to the International Space Station on Dec. 5, 2019. CIRiS aims to collect, process and calibrate infrared images of Earth. “If we can do this, we have greatly increased the value of the data for Earth science applications, as well as land and water management,”...

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