In a volcanic emergency, time is of the essence. It is vital to quantify eruption parameters (thermal emission, effusion rate, location of activity) and distribute this information as quickly as possible to decision-makers in order to enable effective evaluation of eruption-related risk and hazard. The goal of this work was to automate and streamline processing of spacecraft hyperspectral data, automate product generation, and automate distribution of products.
Future spacecraft, especially those in deep space, can react to detection of transient processes without the need to communicate with Earth, thus increasing science return. Terrestrially, this removes the need for human intervention.
This work was done by Ashley G. Davies, Joshua R. Doubleday, and Steve A. Chien of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
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Automating Hyperspectral Data for Rapid Response in Volcanic Emergencies
(reference NPO-48123) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document outlines a proposed NASA mission known as HyspIRI, which aims to enhance the monitoring and response to volcanic activity through advanced hyperspectral imaging technology. The mission features a Visible and Shortwave Infrared (VSWIR) hyperspectral instrument capable of capturing 220 bands within the 0.5 to 2.4 μm range, along with 8 additional bands in the thermal infrared range (8-12 μm). This sophisticated instrumentation is designed to observe volcanic thermal emissions, enabling the identification and quantification of anomalous thermal activity.
A key aspect of the HyspIRI mission is its high data acquisition rate, which allows for rapid product generation and response to dynamic volcanic events. The document emphasizes the use of automatic onboard algorithms, such as the Autonomous Sensor Environment (ASE), to facilitate quicker detection and analysis of volcanic activity. This automation is crucial for providing timely information to decision-makers and improving the overall understanding of volcanic phenomena.
The document also highlights the scientific and operational benefits of the proposed system. By leveraging historical data and process models, the mission aims to determine the significance of volcanic events more effectively. This targeted response approach ensures that the most useful data is collected, maximizing the scientific content derived from each byte of data transmitted. The rapid delivery of products to stakeholders is intended to enhance resource utilization and improve the overall response to volcanic emergencies.
Additionally, the document acknowledges the collaborative efforts of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in managing the EO-1 mission, which is part of the broader initiative to automate hyperspectral data collection for rapid response in volcanic emergencies. The work is supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under its Commercial Technology Program, aiming to make aerospace-related developments accessible for wider technological, scientific, or commercial applications.
In summary, the document presents a comprehensive overview of the HyspIRI mission, emphasizing its innovative approach to volcanic monitoring through advanced hyperspectral imaging and automated data processing, ultimately aiming to enhance our ability to respond effectively to volcanic threats.
