HAPS Day Night Hyperspectral Imaging Demonstrator

High-altitude platform systems (HAPS) are a cutting-edge technology that can provide persistent Earth observations from the stratosphere. Innovative Imaging and Research (I2R) has partnered with Aerostar to develop a versatile HAPS Day Night (DANI) Hyperspectral Imaging Demonstrator to explore how HAPS can enable persistent hyperspectral imaging under both low light and bright sunlit conditions. The project will integrate an imaging payload consisting of a hyperspectral imager, a long wave infrared (LWIR) thermal infrared camera, and a high-resolution red-green-blue (RGB) visible camera into the Aerostar stratospheric Thunderhead Balloon system. The DANI hyperspectral imager will be designed to collect high-resolution spectra of night lights, which will be used to generate specific light maps to help us understand energy usage, light pollution, and human activity like never before. Taking advantage of the HAP’s lower speed and altitude, the proposed system’s sensitivity and dynamic range can be orders of magnitude higher than any moderate-resolution hyperspectral sensor in orbit or planned. The DANI hyperspectral imaging payload will also support the Surface Biology and Geology Mission by providing daytime hyperspectral measurements of leaf canopy chemistry during the growing season and, through persistent monitoring, by collecting data missed by traditional polar-orbiting satellites when significant changes occur between satellite overpasses. The thermal infrared camera will be used to detect clouds at night and provide insight into canopy temperatures. As an added benefit, it will also be able to monitor fires and potentially volcano eruptions and lava flow. A complementary high-resolution framing camera will be used to measure topography using structure from motion (SfM) techniques. These measurements support the needs described by the Surface Topography and Vegetation (STV) Incubation team, which identified the need for more frequent topography observations.