Title: DEMETER
Presenting Author: Anum Ashraf
Organization: NASA Langley Ames Research Center
Co-Author(s): Kory Priestley

Abstract:
DEMETER, which stands for DEMonstrating the Emerging Technology for measuring the Earth’s Radiation, is the revolutionary small satellite approach that will go beyond preserving continuity of the multi-decadal ERB climate data record; it will provide much needed improved observational capabilities in a dedicated small observational platform. The long-term goal of DEMETER is to collect all fundamental observations required (broadband reflected solar, emitted thermal infrared, and spectrally resolved radiances) from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) from a small observational platform. DEMETER exploits new technology, integrating it with existing high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assets, and capitalizes on concurrent investments in technology demonstration flight programs from multiple agencies. Our “right-size” solution will increase the spatial resolution of the measurement, provide onboard data processing capability, and reduce mass, power, and lifecycle cost by an order-of-magnitude compared to current approaches. Reduced accommodation requirements will make it feasible to launch in multiple orbits for a more complete sampling of the diurnal cycle of Earth’s outgoing radiation fields and to launch instruments as the need arises rather than being limited by a large satellite’s launch schedule. This greatly mitigates the risk of a data gap in the Earth Radiation Budget Climate Data Record (CDR). The current ERB record produced and distributed by NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) is the only dedicated global ERB CDR in the world—there are no alternatives. DEMETER offers an advanced next-generation complete small satellite solution to seamlessly extend and improve the ERB CDR beyond the current program of record (CERES). DEMETER was awarded ESTO’s 2019 Instrument Incubator Project in 2019 to advance the Technology Readiness Level of the optical and calibration modules, subassemblies of the overall DEMETER observational platform. Entering at TRL 2, the DEMETER team has made significant progress in maturation of the overall design and is finishing up year 4 and exiting IIP at TRL 5. This presentation will highlight some of those accomplishments. It will also provide details on how this solution uses an integrated, affordable, and intelligent architecture that shares resources and increases redundancy and autonomy, thereby presenting a sustainable path to continue and improve the ERB CDR.