Spaceborne Lightweight and Compact High-Sensitivity Uncooled Infrared Remote Sensing Camera for Wildfire Detection

In response to the growing threats posed by frequent wildfires to ecological environments and human safety, this study presents the development of a lightweight, spaceborne, multispectral, uncooled infrared remote sensing camera specifically designed for wildfire monitoring. To address the low wildfire detection sensitivity of VOx uncooled infrared instruments, a multi-point precision temperature control technique and a spatiotemporal stacking method are implemented. Furthermore, a compact design and assembly approach endows the camera with low weight, small size, and low power consumption, making it highly suitable for satellite deployment. The test results demonstrate that the camera weighs less than 1.5 kg, consumes under 1.5 W of power, and achieves a sensitivity below 0.2 K, comparable to current spaceborne cooled infrared remote sensing cameras. The remote sensing camera has successfully detected various wildfires and thermal events. This study provides an innovative instrument for remote sensing wildfire monitoring.