A STRATOSPHERIC PLATFORM FOR REMOTE SENSING AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY

Today, remote sensing and photogrammetry can be conducted using spaceborne or airborne systems. While the former already offer sub-meter resolution, their positioning ability is limited. Furthermore, it does not seem reasonable to expect full global coverage at this level of detail in the near future. On the other hand, traditional airborne systems are increasingly hindered by other air traffic and the presence of clouds. As user requirements for spatial resolution and positioning become more important, the need for a third alternative becomes apparent. VITO proposes the use of a stratospheric platform with very long endurance to complement the earth observation capability of traditional systems. This platform has some unique advantages, among which the ability to remain above an area for near real time observations in support of crisis management (natural disasters as well as industrial accidents). The system features an extremely lightweight aircraft and earth observation instruments, direct data downlink and fully automated data processing. To be able to remain at up to 20 km altitude for up to 8 months, the platform is unmanned. The project has received official support from the Flemish Government, and the first flights are currently planned for early 2006. RÉSUMÉ: A ce jour, la télédétection et la photogrammétrie peuvent être réalisées en utilisant soit des satellites soit des plateformes aéroportées. Tandis que les premiers offrent une résolution spatiale de l’ordre du mètre, leur précision concernant la position exacte est limitée. De plus il semble irraisonnable d’espérer une couverture globale à ce niveau de détail dans un future proche. D’autre