Abstract

Optical remote sensing from space is an important tool for the study and monitoring of the Earth and its environment. The European Space Agency has specific programmes focused on remote sensing of the Earth for Meteorology and Environmental applications. The present European satellite network relies on data coming from passive optical and microwave imagers and sounders. To meet the requirements posed by Meteorology and Climatology in the years 2000+, new or advanced instrumentation is required, such as lidars, or high resolution optical imagers for example. To timely ensure the availability of key technologies, the Research and Development Programme of the Agency has addressed over the past years critical sensor technologies.

© 1996 IEEE