SPOT 4 satellite will carry two new observation instruments with infrared extended capabilities compared to the existing SPOT series (HRV). High spatial resolution imaging (20 m) will receive an additional 1.7 micrometer channel as well as a new payload instrument called VEGETATION. This instrument is devoted to low resolution (1.2 km) but wide field of view (2000 km) monitoring. Both IR channels use InGaAs THOMSON-CSF technology but each one has some specific features. Focal plane geometry, photodiodes configuration (staggered or lined up), dark current and fixed pattern noise reduction are discussed. Moderate cooling and thermal regulation around 5 degrees Celsius is achieved in order to meet the specified radiometric performances. SPOT's HRVIR and VEGETATION missions are reviewed from SPOT 1 to SPOT 4 and future SPOT 5 SWIR channel is introduced.

Date Published: 8 September 1995
PDF: 10 pages
Proc. SPIE 2552, Infrared Technology XXI, (8 September 1995); doi: 10.1117/12.218284

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 2552:
Infrared Technology XXI
Bjorn F. Andresen; Marija Strojnik, Editor(s)