Paper Category: Earth Observation
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Structured Radio Wave Generation for Target State Estimation via Satellite Formations
This paper discusses next-generation radar systems utilizing structured radio waves, which allow for the integrated control of wavefront structure, polarization state, and phase. By leveraging the azimuthal information inherent in Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) modes, structured radio wave radar mitigates image distortion issues common in conventional plane-wave Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). Furthermore, it enables advanced…
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Lattice: A Rapid-Transition Ku-Band Metasurface Radar for Sovereign Responsive Space
As Europe and its allies pivot toward space sovereignty and resilient orbital architectures, the demand for high-performance, rapid-delivery Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capabilities has become critical. This paper presents Lattice, a prototype spaceborne radar system designed to provide a low-risk, high-fidelity transition of ground-proven radar technology into the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environment. Developed by…
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Tiny Telescope: Monolithic Diffraction-Limited Imaging
The Tiny Telescope is a compact, fully integrated monolithic telescope, designed to address the stringent volume, mass, and alignment constraints of small satellite missions. By integrating refractive and reflective optical surfaces, internal baffles, and structural features within a single optical element, the Tiny Telescope eliminates the need for complex multi-element assemblies and post-integration alignment. This…
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Seeing Through the Haze: Simulation-Driven Atmospheric Analysis and On-board Dehazing for Robust LEO/VLEO Earth Observation
Atmospheric attenuation and cloud cover remain a primary bottleneck for optical Earth Observation (EO) mission operations, often rendering downlinked data unusable and straining limited bandwidth budgets. This work presents a novel framework to improve actionable intelligence by integrating real-time atmospheric assessment and image restoration directly into the onboard image processing chain. To overcome the scarcity…
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Multiclass Satellite Payload for SAR
This work investigates a multiclass spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload architecture aimed at enabling distributed and scalable Earth Observation missions using NanoSats and/or MicroSats in cooperative satellite swarms. The proposed architecture addresses the challenge of achieving high performance SAR imaging within the inherent mass, volume and power constraints of small satellites while supporting advanced…
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A Comprehensive Framework for Analysis and Review of Super‑Resolution Models in Earth Observation Imagery
This work presents a comprehensive evaluation framework for Earth observation (EO) super‑resolution (SR) models, combining large‑scale literature analysis with practical benchmarking and workflow prototyping. Motivated by the rapid expansion of deep learning–based SR techniques and the increasing demand for high‑fidelity EO imagery, we conducted an extensive review of more than 200 research papers spanning classical,…
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CubeSat ISR Constellation Mission Tailoring
This paper presents a modelling framework for Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) CubeSat constellation combining optical payload and Software Defined Radio (SDR). The concept satellite is 8-16U depending on the payload resolution and presence of warm-gas propulsion allowing for orbital changes and station keeping extending the operational time. Deployed in 500-km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO), the…
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Preparation and Verification Method at ETB/FM Test Level for Establishing Satellite IAC Procedures
Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) is the critical final verification stage conducted after launch vehicle (LV) sepa-ration and orbit insertion, prior to normal mission opera-tions. LEOP consists of Initial Activation and Checkout (IAC) and In-Orbit Test (IOT). Within this phase, the spacecraft (S/C) bus IAC is of paramount importance. Tra-ditionally, due to the impossibility…