The DarkCarb instrument has been specifically designed to provide high-resolution thermal video imagery from a small satellite in support of a range of emerging commercial, government and scientific applications. So far, such capability has only been available on large expensive satellites in a very limited fashion. Sensor and cooling technology has evolved in recent years so that such an instrument can now be designed and operated to provide useful performance over a typical satellite design-lifetime, and at a cost making new applications financially viable. The instrument provides 3.5 m Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) over a 4.5 x 3.6 km scene with an average Noise Equivalent Temperature Delta (NETD) of between 60 mK and 70 mK depending on viewing conditions and provides the capability to differentiate between objects and surfaces of different temperature and emissivity.
Machine learning and automation have made the use of Earth Observation (EO) data increasingly valuable across a range of emerging applications. Thermal imaging can complement daytime visible imagery with additional detail that can be observed in thermal bands, and at night can be more cost effective than Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging. Thermal imaging can help in identifying hotspots, industrial activity, support climate change applications, and monitor patterns-of-life. Thermal imaging has additional application in Space Situational Awareness.
This paper provides an overview of the DarkCarb spacecraft and instrument , documents its ground qualification and in-orbit validation and results following its launch in June 2023.
