Abstract: Computer systems (100) for satellite image acquisition and mission-plan calculation devices (120) for satellite and also Earth observation satellites (110). Based on the observation that the uncertainty connected with meteorological conditions can lead to the development of mission plans, for satellites, with low effectiveness, the uncertainty is characterized and used to improve the preparation of mission plans for satellite. A model of the uncertainties is built upon observations and/or past meteorological forecasts. Next, at the time of planning, the model is used by presenting the observations and/or the current forecast as input to the model. In that way, the acquisition zones for which it is unlikely to get acceptable images on the preferred acquisition date may be identified.

Abstract: Computer systems (100) for satellite image acquisition and mission-plan calculation devices (120) for satellite and also Earth observation satellites (110). Based on the observation that the uncertainty connected with meteorological conditions can lead to the development of mission plans, for satellites, with low effectiveness, the uncertainty is characterized and used to improve the preparation of mission plans for satellite. A model of the uncertainties is built upon observations and/or past meteorological forecasts. Next, at the time of planning, the model is used by presenting the observations and/or the current forecast as input to the model. In that way, the acquisition zones for which it is unlikely to get acceptable images on the preferred acquisition date may be identified.