Remote sensing system optimization

This paper describes an improved approach to optimizing remote sensing system design. The method was recently demonstrated in the competitive first phase of the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) program. The NPOESS Integrated Program Office (IPO) provided sensor contractors with geophysical measurement requirements called "Environmental Data Records" (EDRs), rather than sensor hardware specifications. Contractors were required to derive optimal system specifications and hardware designs from the EDRs. The VIIRS design process achieved exceptional ratings for system optimization, sensor design, and systems engineering, integration and test (SEIT). A critical VIIRS challenge was to optimize the design against numerous conflicting requirements from the three user agencies (DoD, NOAA, and NASA) represented by the NPOESS IPO. The design optimization approach described should be applicable to all remote sensing systems, including active or passive sensors.