satellite remote sensing

Observation of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere by a satellite equipped with a sensor.

active sensor

Instrument that itself emits the energy required to illuminate the target and receives the waves it reflects.

data recording

If the satellite in unable to communicate with the terrestrial station, data is registered onboard and transmitted later.

passive sensor

Instrument that receives the waves produced when the target reflects the Sun’s natural rays.

energy source

At the origin of the remote sensing process is an energy source, for example the Sun, used to illuminate the target.

natural radiation

When the sky is clear, the satellite captures the reflection of the Sun’s rays from the Earth’s surface.

target

Surface or object that reflects the Sun’s rays.

data processing

Raw data is interpreted and analyzed to extract information about the target.

target

Surface or object that reflects the Sun’s rays.

data reception

Raw data reaches the terrestrial station in digital form.

data recording

If the satellite in unable to communicate with the terrestrial station, data is registered onboard and transmitted later.

reflection

Phenomenon by which natural or artificial waves bounce off the target and toward the satellite.

artificial radiation

When atmospheric conditions hide the Sun’s rays, the active sensor itself emits radiation waves.

data transmission

The sensor transmits raw data, if possible immediately, to a terrestrial station for processing.