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Satellites & Sensors

Satellites and Sensors related FAQs

What is the difference between LEO and GEO satellites?

  • LEO satellites (Low Earth Orbit) orbit close to Earth's surface, typically at altitudes less than 1,000 km. Their proximity allows them to capture detailed observations with smaller ground footprints, making them effective for detecting small fires. However, they take longer to revisit the same location, usually several days.

  • GEO satellites (Geostationary Orbit) orbit at an altitude of 35,786 km above the equator, matching Earth's rotation. This makes them appear stationary over a fixed position. They can observe half of the Earth’s surface every 15-30 minutes but with much larger ground footprints, providing broader but less detailed coverage.

Why can't the resolution of the satellites be higher?

The resolution of satellite imagery depends on several factors, especially the size of the footprint of a single pixel on the ground, which is influenced by the satellite’s optics and wavelength. Generally, shorter wavelengths allow for a smaller Ground Sample Distance (GSD), meaning higher spatial resolution. Thermal sensors, which often use longer wavelengths, typically have larger footprints. For example:

  • LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites have a GSD between 375 and 1100 meters.
  • GEO (Geostationary Orbit) satellites start with a GSD of 2000 meters, which can increase at higher latitudes.

What determines the pixel size of satellite sensors?

The size of a single hotspot footprint (or pixel) on the ground is determined by several factors:

  • Orbit type: Whether the satellite is in LEO or GEO.
  • Instrument: The specific sensor used on the satellite.
  • Acquisition mode: The operational mode of the sensor.
  • Acquisition angle: The angle of incidence, which can affect footprint size.
  • Topography: Variations in the ground’s elevation that may alter the effective pixel size.

These parameters collectively influence the spatial resolution and the accuracy of hotspot detection.

What is the average delay time and hotspot size detection per satellite?

These satellite providers downlink data acquired during overflights, which introduces variations in processing times and the availability of their products. At OroraTech, we prioritize rapid data processing to minimize any delay. Below you can find an overview per satellite.