Title of Paper: A second generation multi-angle imager

Principal Author: Mr. Graham Bothwell

Abstract: The Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) has been in Earth orbit since December 1999 on NASA's Terra spacecraft, and is provides new ways of looking at the Earth's atmosphere, clouds, and surface, for purposes of understanding Earth's ecology, environment, and climate. To facilitate the potential future continuation of MISR's multi-angle observations, a study was undertaken in 1999 and 2000 under ESTO's Instrument Incubator Program to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of a successor to MISR that will have greatly reduced size and mass.

The kernel of the program was the design, construction, and testing of a highly miniaturized camera, one of the nine that would probably be used on a future spaceborne MISR-like instrument. This demonstrated that the size and mass reduction of the optical system and camera electronics are possible, and that filters can be assembled to meet the miniaturized packaging requirements. An innovative reflective optics design was used, enabling the wave length range to be extended into the shortwave infrared. This was the smallest all-reflective camera ever produced by the contractor.

A study was undertaken to determine the feasibility of implementing nine (multi-angle) cameras within a single structure. This resulted in several possible configurations. It would also be possible to incorporate one of the cameras into an airborne instrument.