SPACEBORNE THERMAL IMAGING OF THE EARTH SURFACE: THE TRENDS AND THE DEVELOPMENT PROSPECTS

• Дата: 2026
• Автори: KHRAMOV, D. O., MASLOVA, A. I., PYROZHENKO, O. O.
• Формат: Стаття
• Опубліковано: текст 3 2026
• Онлайн доступ: https://journal-itm.dp.ua/ojs/index.php/ITM_j1/article/view/176
• Назва журналу: Technical Mechanics

The spaceborne thermal imaging of the Earth plays a key role in monitoring natural and anthropogenic processes, such as wildfires and volcanic activity. It is used to measure the surface temperature, assess crop moisture levels, and determine the rock composition. However, the availability and spatial resolution of such data have long been significantly inferior to optical counterparts due to a number of technical difficulties. In recent years, the situation has been changing thanks to the development of small commercial Earth remote sensing spacecraft constellations and the application of new technologies. This article analyzes the current trends in and the prospects for the development of thermal infrared imaging by small satellites plus nighttime optical imaging projects. Particular attention is paid to commercial constellations, such as OTC (OroraTech / Spire Global), HotSat (SatVu / Leonardo), Hydrosat, FireSat (Muon Space), EarthDaily, etc. Their size, orbital parameters, imaging frequency, spectral capabilities, spatial resolution, and payload are investigated. It is shown that most thermal imaging constellations have a dual, civilian and military, purpose. A transition to multispectral imaging in the mid-wave and long-wave infrared ranges and the use of synchronous thermal and optical imaging are observed. Less energy-intensive uncooled sensors (microbolometers) are being introduced. Under development is high-detail nighttime optical imaging by American and Chinese companies’ small satellites with traditional optical Earth observation capabilities. Increasing use is made of artificial intelligence (AI) methods for preliminary data processing, improving spatial resolution, and autonomous anomaly detection directly onboard satellites. 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