A system of software has been developed to coordinate the operation of an autonomous Earth-observing sensorweb. Sensorwebs are collections of sensor units scattered over large regions to gather data on spatial and temporal patterns of physical, chemical, or biological phenomena in those regions. Each sensor unit is a node in a data-gathering/ data-communication network that spans a region of interest. In this case, the region is the entire Earth, and the sensorweb includes multiple terrestrial and spaceborne sensor units. In addition to acquiring data for scientific study, the sensorweb is required to give timely notice of volcanic eruptions, floods, and other hazardous natural events. In keeping with the inherently modular nature of the sensory, communication, and data-processing hardware, the software features a flexible, modular architecture that facilitates expansion of the network, customization of conditions that trigger alarms of hazardous natural events, and customization of responses to alarms. The software facilitates access to multiple sources of data on an event of scientific interest, enables coordinated use of multiple sensors in rapid reaction to detection of an event, and facilitates the tracking of spacecraft operations, including tracking of the acquisition, processing, and downlinking of requested data.

This program was written by Robert Sherwood, Benjamin Cichy, Daniel Tran, steve Chien, Gregg Rabideau, Ashley Davies, Rebecca Castaño, Stuart Frye, Dan Mandl, Seth Shulman, and Sandy Grosvenor of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. For further information, access the Technical Support Package (TSP) free on-line at www.techbriefs.com/tsp under the Software category.

This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Karina Edmonds of the California Institute of Technology at (626) 395-2322. Refer to NPO-42523.

Topics:
Architecture Biological sciences Chemicals Computer software and hardware Customization Sensors and actuators Software Spacecraft Vehicles
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
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Coordinating an Autonomous Earth-Observing Sensorweb

(reference NPO-42523) is currently available for download from the TSP library.

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NASA Tech Briefs Magazine

This article first appeared in the July, 2006 issue of NASA Tech Briefs Magazine (Vol. 30 No. 7).

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Overview

The document discusses the development and implementation of an autonomous Earth-observing sensorweb, primarily focusing on the capabilities of NASA's Terra and Aqua satellites. These satellites, equipped with the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), provide critical data on various Earth phenomena, including volcanic activity, wildfires, and cryosphere monitoring. The MODIS instruments capture imagery with resolutions ranging from 250 to 1,000 meters per pixel, covering the globe approximately four times daily.

The sensorweb architecture integrates various components that work together to monitor and respond to scientific events. When volcanic activity is detected, the MODVOLC (MODIS VOLCano Thermal Alert System) algorithms automatically identify hot spots within hours of data acquisition. This information is processed at the Goddard Space Flight Center and matched with the interests of science teams monitoring volcanoes. Based on the priority of the observation request, the Earth Observing One (EO-1) spacecraft is tasked to capture high-resolution images (up to 10 meters per pixel) and hyperspectral data for further analysis.

The document highlights the efficiency of the sensorweb in providing timely data. For instance, MODIS data can be accessed in near-real-time for regional coverage and within 3 to 6 hours for global coverage. This rapid data availability is crucial for scientists and researchers who need to respond quickly to natural events.

Additionally, the sensorweb employs automated systems for data acquisition and processing. Science-tracking systems publish data to the Internet in various formats, allowing science agents to either pull data or receive notifications about ongoing events. This automated approach enhances the ability to monitor and respond to significant scientific phenomena effectively.

Overall, the document emphasizes the importance of the sensorweb in advancing Earth observation capabilities, enabling scientists to obtain vital information about natural events swiftly. This technology not only aids in understanding volcanic eruptions but also has broader applications in environmental monitoring and disaster response, showcasing the potential of satellite technology in addressing global challenges.