In the vast expanse of space, where satellites silently orbit, one particular satellite is making waves in the world of sustainable development. The sustainable development goals science satellite 1 (SDGSAT-1), launched on November 5, 2021, is the first scientific satellite dedicated to supporting the United Nations’ 2030 agenda for sustainable development. A recent study, published in the IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing (translated as the IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing), has provided a comprehensive evaluation of the on-orbit radiometric performance of the multispectral imager (MSI) onboard SDGSAT-1.
The study, led by Lin Yan from the Key Laboratory of Earth Observation of Hainan Province, Hainan Aerospace Information Research Institute, Wenchang, China, systematically assesses key radiometric performance parameters, including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), radiometric resolution, uniformity, and absolute radiometric calibration accuracy. The findings indicate that the B1–B3 bands of the MSI exhibit good performance, with SNR exceeding 150 at high-reflectance sites, such as the Gobi Desert. However, the B4–B7 bands show reduced SNR in low-reflectance regions, with the SNR of B5 dropping to 75.9 at the LCFR Airport.
“These findings indicate that SDGSAT-1 MSI has a relatively stable on-orbit status with its radiometric performance well met the requirement, except some saturation bands, i.e., B4, B5, and B7,” said Lin Yan, the lead author of the study. The study also found that radiometric resolution remains stable for B1–B3, while B4–B7 display higher variability. Radiometric uniformity is better than 2% for B1-B4 but degrades to 4.3% –7.7% for B5–B7 due to detector response inconsistencies. Absolute calibration accuracy falls within ±7% for most bands, except B6, which has an accuracy of 7.2% ±6.6%, meeting the design specifications.
The implications of this research are significant for the energy sector. The reliable radiometric performance of the MSI onboard SDGSAT-1 can enhance the monitoring of renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind, by providing accurate and consistent data. This can lead to improved energy management and planning, ultimately contributing to the achievement of global sustainable development goals.
The study also highlights the need for further efforts, including enhanced calibration algorithms and cross radiometric calibration with payloads that have good radiometric performance. These efforts can further improve the reliability of data products and support the long-term stability of satellite payloads.
As we look to the future, the research conducted by Lin Yan and their team provides critical insights into the operational characteristics of the MSI and offers a scientific basis for the long-term stability of satellite payloads. The reliable data provided by SDGSAT-1 can support the achievement of global sustainable development goals, including those related to energy, climate action, and responsible consumption and production.
In the words of Lin Yan, “This article provides critical insights into the operational characteristics of the MSI and offers a scientific basis for the long-term stability of satellite payloads and the reliability of data products, thereby supporting the achievement of global sustainable development goals.” The research published in the IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing is a testament to the power of satellite technology in supporting sustainable development and shaping the future of the energy sector.