Bichromatic Littoral Temperature Observer (BLTO) Instrument and Bus

Sea surface temperature (SST) is one of the most important inputs to weather and climate models. Measurement of SST through remote sensing methods is well established. However, modeling of littoral regions, particularly those including river outflows, requires measurement with better spatial and temporal resolution than is currently available. The proposed work continues investigation of a long-wave infrared imager for SST measurement that can support the required ground sample distance (approximately 30 m) while being compatible with the size, mass, power, and communications constraints of a cubesat, making it possible to deploy multiple instruments to decrease revisit time. The proposed work will investigate performance of the instrument including quantitative surface temperature measurements and qualification for space flight. The work will also include production of an accompanying cubesat bus.