Compact Fire Infrared Radiance Spectral Tracker (c-FIRST)

Remote sensing and characterization of high temperature targets on the Earth's surface is required for many cross-disciplinary science investigations and applications including fire and volcano impacts on ecology, the carbon cycle, and atmospheric composition. For decades this research has been hindered by insufficient spatial resolution and/or detector saturation of satellite sensors operating at short and mid-infrared wavelengths (1-5 mu m) where the spectral radiance from high temperature (>800 K) surfaces is most significant. To address this critical need, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and partnering institutions are developing a compact modular high dynamic range (HDR) multispectral imager concept, with the flexibility to operate in the short, mid- or long-wavelength infrared spectral bands.

Automated summary

Remote sensing and characterization of high temperature targets on the Earth's surface is important for various scientific investigations and applications. However, the research in this area has been hindered by limitations in spatial resolution and detector saturation of satellite sensors. To address this issue, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and partnering institutions are developing a compact modular high dynamic range multispectral imager.