Space-based hyperspectral imaging and its role in the commercial world

This paper discusses space-based hyperspectral imaging and its application to military and commercial systems. It gives a brief technical background on the basics of how hyperspectral imaging works, as well as information on current space-based projects including Warfighter 1, Naval Earth Map Observer (NEMO), and Australian Resource Information and Environmental Satellite (ARIES). The main purpose of the paper is to look at the commercial applications of hyperspectral imaging including but not limited to the mining, petroleum, agricultural, and environmental monitoring sectors. By looking at these applications, we will be able to determine whether space based hyperspectral imaging is a commercially viable option and by inference whether a robust commercial HSI capability will exist to support military needs.