Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for obtaining and managing remote sensing data (e.g. Earth observation data). A remote sensing platform obtains imagery and other remote sensing data of the Earth and other planetary objects. The remote sensing platform includes the International Space Station, or manned and unmanned spacecraft or aircraft. A sensor captures observation data and transmits the data to ground stations on the Earth. A ground segment receives and stores the data. Users use an order management system to place orders for the observation data, which specify processing parameters for the remote sensing data. The remote sensing data is retrieved from storage is processed according to the parameters to generate a data product. This system provides tools for searching and analyzing the data, and for interacting with the system through an API. The system combines data that is produced by the remote sensing platform and by third parties.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for obtaining and managing remote sensing data (e.g. Earth observation data). A remote sensing platform obtains imagery and other remote sensing data of the Earth and other planetary objects. The remote sensing platform includes the International Space Station, or manned and unmanned spacecraft or aircraft. A sensor captures observation data and transmits the data to ground stations on the Earth. A ground segment receives and stores the data. Users use an order management system to place orders for the observation data, which specify processing parameters for the remote sensing data. The remote sensing data is retrieved from storage is processed according to the parameters to generate a data product. This system provides tools for searching and analyzing the data, and for interacting with the system through an API. The system combines data that is produced by the remote sensing platform and by third parties.

Abstract: An image processing system generates enhanced synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery using a trainer that generates an information model that defines a set of trained data based on correlated classifications of pairs of spatially and/or temporally coincident SAR and optical images, and using a SAR image enhancer that applies a transformation to generate a color image from the SAR image data. Correlated classifications may be based on specific applications. The system may generate or update trained data to be used for classification based on a set of training SAR images and training optical images. The system may assess or determine correlations between the classified SAR and optical image data sets, establishing levels of confidence in such correlations.

Abstract: A constellation of satellites may include a plurality of satellites in each of two or more different orbits. Satellites in a given orbit may operate in pairs, flying in tandem, one satellite leading, the other trailing closely behind, to be positioned to image the same target(s) of interest with substantially the same orientation (geographical coincident) at substantially the same time (temporally coincident). The first satellite may acquire SAR data, determine a location of a target of interest, assess cloud cover, and based on an extent of cloud cover, can acquire additional SAR data or cause the second satellite to capture optical imaging data (e.g., cross-cueing). Selection of orbits can provide a relatively high revisit rate may be obtained, allowing frequent opportunities to image given locations on a planet (e.g., Earth). One or more ground stations communicate with the constellation of satellites, and inter-satellite communications may be employed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing observation data. Processes and capabilities include: obtaining images and metadata associated with the images; encoding the images and the metadata to generate encoded tiles; storing the encoded tiles in an encoded tiles database; receiving a request for a map tile; searching the encoded tiles database and obtaining the encoded tiles that are relevant to the request; merging data from the encoded tiles into the map tile; and outputting the map tile. The images and metadata may be obtained from Earth observation platforms, including satellites or aircraft. The map tiles may include spectral content, data source identification, acquisition date/time, sensor characteristics, sun angles, calibration parameters, a cloud mask, a snow mask, a land mask, a water mask, and a missing data mask.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for obtaining and managing remote sensing data (e.g. Earth observation data). A remote sensing platform obtains imagery and other remote sensing data of the Earth and other planetary objects. The remote sensing platform includes the International Space Station, or manned and unmanned spacecraft or aircraft. A sensor captures observation data and transmits the data to ground stations on the Earth. A ground segment receives and stores the data. Users use an order management system to place orders for the observation data, which specify processing parameters for the remote sensing data. The remote sensing data is retrieved from storage is processed according to the parameters to generate a data product. This system provides tools for searching and analyzing the data, and for interacting with the system through an API. The system combines data that is produced by the remote sensing platform and by third parties.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing observation data. Processes and capabilities include: obtaining images and metadata associated with the images; encoding the images and the metadata to generate encoded tiles; storing the encoded tiles in an encoded tiles database; receiving a request for a map tile; searching the encoded tiles database and obtaining the encoded tiles that are relevant to the request; merging data from the encoded tiles into the map tile; and outputting the map tile. The images and metadata may be obtained from Earth observation platforms, including satellites or aircraft. The map tiles may include spectral content, data source identification, acquisition date/time, sensor characteristics, sun angles, calibration parameters, a cloud mask, a snow mask, a land mask, a water mask, and a missing data mask.

Abstract: A system and method for adjusting an optical system, such as that of a telescope in a satellite where the optical system is misaligned after launch of the satellite, includes obtaining at least one image captured by the optical system of the telescope, wherein the captured image is of at least one star. The system and method then analyzes the at least one image captured and generates adjustment signals to control at least one actuator to move at least one movable element in the optical system and perform positional correction of the optical system. Other details of the system and method are provided herein.

Abstract: A momentum management system for attitude control of a spacecraft includes a housing to be fixed to the spacecraft and a momentum wheel rotor in the housing for storing angular momentum. A gimbal assembly mounts the rotor in the housing. The rotor is driven by a drive with its output coupled to the rotor. A torque generation imparts torque to the rotor about axes orthogonal to the drive axis. The gimbal assembly includes a gimbal ring coupling the drive output to the rotor. The gimbal ring in turn includes flexure joints connecting the gimbal ring to the drive and the rotor. The flexure joints are configured to permit the rotor to tilt about two flexure axes orthogonal to the drive axis to incline the rotor axis through a range of angles from about 0 degrees to about 7 degrees with respect to the drive axis under the control of said torque generation device. The preferred flexure joint is formed from two resilient, crossing webs.

Abstract: A momentum management system for attitude control of a spacecraft includes a housing to be fixed to the spacecraft and a momentum wheel rotor in the housing for storing angular momentum. A gimbal assembly mounts the rotor in the housing. The rotor is driven by a drive with its output coupled to the rotor. A torque generation imparts torque to the rotor about axes orthogonal to the drive axis. The gimbal assembly includes a gimbal ring coupling the drive output to the rotor. The gimbal ring in turn includes flexure joints connecting the gimbal ring to the drive and the rotor. The flexure joints are configured to permit the rotor to tilt about two flexure axes orthogonal to the drive axis to incline the rotor axis through a range of angles from about 0 degrees to about 7 degrees with respect to the drive axis under the control of said torque generation device. The preferred flexure joint is formed from two resilient, crossing webs.