Small Satellite Tools for High-Resolution Infrared Fire Monitoring

Space-borne infrared remote sensing specifically for the detection and characterization of fires has a long history in the DLR Institute of Optical Sensor Systems. In the year 2001, the first DLR experimental satellite, Bi-spectral Infrared Detection (BIRD), was launched after an intensive test period with cooled IR sensor systems on airborne systems. The main basis for the development of the FireBIRD mission with the two satellites, Technology Erprobungsträger No 1 (TET-1) and Bi-spectral-Infrared Optical System (BIROS), was the already space-proven sensor and satellite technology with successfully tested algorithms for fire detection and quantification in the form of the so-called fire radiation power (FRP). This paper summarizes the development principles for the IR sensor system of FireBIRD and the most critical design elements of the TET-1 and BIROS satellites, especially concerning the attitude control system—all very essential tools for high-resolution infrared fire monitoring. Key innovative tools necessary to increase the agility of small IR satellites are discussed.