Hyperspectral imager for the coastal ocean (HICO)

The HICO sensor system, integrated in the International Space Station (ISS) Window Observational Research Facility (WORF), will collect visible and shortwave infrared hyperspectral data that will provide the following characterization of coastal regions: determine water clarity and visibility, shallow water bathymetry, and bottom type composition; detect underwater obstructions and characterize beaches and coastal areas; research global properties of coral reefs, the maritime atmosphere and determine global distribution of fires and active volcanoes in the context of mitigating natural hazards. It will achieve these objectives by collecting hyperspectral imaging data for over 70% of the Earth´s surface, the portion over flown by ISS, at a spatial resolution of 25 meters. The desired data will be obtained using the Naval Research Lab (NRL) Portable Hyperspectral Imager for Low Light Spectroscopy (PHILLS-3) sensor with a pointing and stabilization system, and then later integrating it with a short-wave infrared hyperspectral imager.