EnMAP – Hyperspectral Satellite 

EnMAP – Environmental Mapping and Analysis Program – is designed to monitor and analyze our environment using hyperspectral data, revealing changes in ecosystems and resources. 

Mission Objective

EnMAP is a German hyperspectral satellite that monitors and characterizes the environment globally. EnMAP will provide high-quality regional scale hyperspectral data.

• Measurement Category: geochemical, biochemical, and biophysical variables
• Provide Information About: Status and evolution of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.

Mission Significance

The data provided by EnMAP will assist in solving major environmental challenges related to climate change. Although EnMAP is a scientific mission, it has the potential to evolve into an operational service.

Source: Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres

Engineering Challenges

EnMAP’s hyperspectral imaging mission introduces significant engineering complexities arising from high manufacturing and design demands, among them are:

• High radiometric accuracy – strict stray light suppression, which is achieved by blackbody-like absorption maintenance within the optical path. Stray light might distort the spectral signatures of natural objects that are being observed.
• Thermal Stability in Space Conditions – A small temperature range must be kept to avoid wavelength shifts and sensitivity changes.
• Spatial Uniformity – must be kept across internal components and baffles, otherwise it may lead to errors in data transmission.

Instrument’s Characteristics

Spectral Range: 420 nm – 2450 nm
Spatial Resolution: 30×30 m
Swath: 30km
Satellite Size: 3.1 m × 2.0 m × 1.7 m
Coatings: All the mirrors of the EnMAP are coated with aluminum. EnMAP’s telescope and spectrometer contain 11 metal mirrors coated with aluminum alloy and X-ray amorphous thick films.

Source: EnMAP collaboration

Acktar’s Solution

Acktar’s coatings provide almost perfect stray-light suppression, approaching blackbody-like absorption. Also, its coatings help to sustain thermal stability.  Acktar provided a Fractal Black coating on the FFSA instrument to control thermal stability and prevent stray light.

Impact

Climate Change Impact and Interventions

• The general function and composition of our ecosystems are implemented.

Land Cover Changes

• Spatial distribution of land degradation and the driving processes behind it.
• Land cover changes impact on food security and environmental sustainability.

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Processes

• The ecosystem changes in composition, spatial distribution, and health.
• The effect of those changes.
• Achieving stability and combating biodiversity loss.

Water Availability and Quality

• Specification according to regions.
• Climate change and human activities contribute to water availability and quality.

Natural Resources

• The industrial impact on natural resources.
• Assessing the scale of existing destruction and the possibility of rehabilitation.

Hazard Risk Assessment

• Finding the most vulnerable and most affected regions or areas.

EnMAP continues to deliver high-precision hyperspectral data that improves climate research worldwide. As its dataset grows, the mission’s long-term impact will only increase, supporting future scientific breakthroughs and enabling new technological solutions to climate science and more.

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ACKTAR PARTS: