The reduced envelope multispectral sensor (remi) represents a new sensor architecture that meets all heritage landsat requirements (visible through thermal IR) in a single payload. Low size, weight,…

This federal contract award, with ID NNX16AP63G, was granted to BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems Inc. by the Shared Services Center, a civilian agency. The contract, valued at $1,040,003.98, is for the development of the Reduced Envelope Multispectral Sensor (REMI), a new sensor architecture that meets all heritage Landsat requirements in a single payload. The goal is to reduce the risk, cost, size, volume, mass, and development time for the next generation Sustained Land Imaging (SLI) instruments while maintaining or exceeding current capabilities. The contract is not set aside and is funded under the REDUCED ENVELOPE MULTI-SPECTRAL IMAGER major program. As a prime contractor, BAE Systems has experience in developing advanced space systems, instruments, and technology for NASA, NOAA, and the Department of Defense, including Earth observation satellites, radar systems, and electronic warfare components.

The reduced envelope multispectral sensor (remi) represents a new sensor architecture that meets all heritage landsat requirements (visible through thermal IR) in a single payload. Low size, weight, and power (swap) is achieved through reduced aperture (relative edge response improved with precision scan pattern that eliminates ground motion smear), combined aperture (visible through thermal IR), and new, lower swap calibration source. This is a step-stare scan architecture rather than the whisk broom or push broom scan architecture of prior landsat sensors. Compatibility with launch from an espa ring also reduces launch costs. Remi validation includes airborne flights that will under fly landsat 8 for direct comparison of level 1B data and higher data products. Airborne flights will also be conducted over sites with validated ground-based observations as a second, independent check of performance. One goal of the sustained land imaging technology opportunity is to reduce the risk, cost, size, volume, mass, and development time for the next generation SLI instruments, while still meeting or exceeding the current land imaging program capabilities . Remi directly addresses this need. When implemented in a constellation, remi also has the potential to address the goals of improved temporal coverage while still maintaining the program s operational efficiency and ensuring the continuity of land observations into the future.