A technology path to distributed remote sensing

Abstract The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has been engaged for over 40 years in Earth science missions spanning geodesy to atmospheric science. In parallel, APL's Advanced Technology Program is supporting research in autonomy, scalable architectures, miniaturization, and instrument innovation. These are key technologies for the development of affordable observation programs that could benefit from distributed remote sensing. This paper brings these applications and technology themes together in the form of an innovative, three-satellite remote sensing scenario. This pathfinding mission fills an important scientific niche, and relies on state-of-the-art small-satellite technology.