EO instrument developments in the UK Centre for Earth Observation instrumentation

The UK Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI) is carrying out a series of Earth observation instrument development projects using innovative technologies. It was created in 2007 as a result of joint support from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Department for Innovation, Universities Skills (DIUS) and is operated by a partnership of academia and industry, led by Astrium with QinetiQ, University of Leicester and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Its key aim is to build and strengthen UK capabilities in future space instrumentation for Earth observation through the teaming of scientists and industrialists. In this paper the authors describe the novel technologies and instrumentation under development by the Centre partners in preparation for future Earth observation missions. These include compact optical systems for air quality monitoring, the use of hollow waveguides in near infra-red LIDAR systems for remote sensing of the Earth's canopy and carbon dioxide, and passive microwave radiometry for remote sensing of atmosphere composition. In addition some 'seedcorn' activities are underway to investigate novel techniques for remote sensing of variables important in the understanding of climate change and Earth system science. The paper also describes the methods that the Centre has used to understand the main UK science priorities and to match these to UK technical and instrumentation capability.