Application of visible linear array technology to earth observation sensors

The present paper identifies the systems engineering aspects of applying solid-state technology to earth observations applications being traditionally performed by point (or multiple-point) detector line scanned mechanisms. It is shown that the translation from a basically serial data flow point-detector mechanically-scanned sensor to a solid state highly parallel linear-array pushbroom sensor results in minimizing mechanical complexity and maximizing electronics complexity, with increased demands upon optical performance in some applications. Technical aspects relevant to highly parallel photodiode linear-array pushbroom applications are discussed. Examples of systems engineering applications are provided.