Observation of the Earth and Its Environment : Survey of Missions and Sensors

The following listing represents a survey and short descriptions of 'Earth Observing Mis­ sions' in alphabetical order. The listing in Part A considers completed, operational as well as planned missions on an international scale (Earth observations from space know no na­ tional boundaries). A look into past activities is important for reasons of heritage, context and perspective. The document is intended for all who want to keep track of missions and sensors in the fast-growing field of Earth observation. There cannot be any claim to com­ pleteness, although a considerable effort was made to collect and integrate all known mis­ sions and sensors into this book. Earth observation by remote sensing changes our view and perception of the world. We be­ gin to realize the global character of remote sensing, its multidimensional and complemen­ tary nature, its vast potential to many disciplines, its importance to mankind as a whole. Re­ mote sensing permits for the first time in history a total system view of the Earth. The view from space toward Earth has brought about sweeping revisions in the Earth sciences, in par­ ticular in such fields as meteorology, oceanology, hydrology, geology, geography, forestry, agriculture, geodynamics, solar-terrestrial interactions, and many others. This book is about instruments and their use on airborne and spaceborne platforms. It is divided into three major sections covering more than 150 spaceborne mssions and sensors, over 300 airborne sensors as well as reference data and definitions. Four extensive appendices provide a comprehensive survey of campaigns, glossary, acronyms and abbreviations and an index of sensors. An effort has been made to present the information in context, to point out relationships and interconnections for a better understanding of the subject. The book may serve as a reference and guide to all involved in the various national and international space programs: researchers and managers, service providers and data users, teachers and students. Front Matter....Pages I-XXXII Introduction....Pages 1-9 Survey of Spaceborne Missions and Sensors....Pages 11-401 Survey of Airborne Sensors....Pages 403-691 Reference Data and Definitions....Pages 693-755 Back Matter....Pages 757-961 From the contents: Introduction Survey of Spaceborne Missions and Sensors Survey of Airborne Sensors Reference Data and Definitions Glossary Definition of the Acronyms Index Table of Sensors.