METimage: a multispectral imaging radiometer for the EUMETSAT Polar System follow-on satellite mission

The evolving needs of the meteorological community concerning the EUMETSAT Polar System follow-on satellite mission (Post-EPS) require the development of a high-performance multi-spectral imaging radiometer, the so-called Visible-Infrared Imager (VII). Recognizing these needs, Jena Optronik GmbH proposed an innovative instrument concept, METimage. METimage is the candidate instrument to fulfill the VII mission on Post-EPS. Core item of the METimage instrument is a rotating telescope scanner covering the large swath width of about 2800 km, which is needed for a global coverage by a polar platform. The de-rotated image facilitates in-field spectral channel separation, which allows tailoring individual channel GSD (ground sampling distance) and features like TDI (time delay and integration). State-of-the-art detector arrays and read-out electronics will be employed. The reflecting telescope design is able to support demanding requirements on image quality and ground resolution. The chosen instrument concept covers a spectral range from 443 nm to 13.345 μm and provides 20 to 22 spectral channels. The ground sampling distance is 500 m and 250 m for selected high-resolution channels from low Earth orbit. The METimage instrument development is currently in phase B and has undergone its System Requirements Review in summer 2010.