AquaSat-1 Feasibility Study Report
In response to shared water challenges and as a logical next step to previous studies, CSIRO’s AquaWatch Australia program (AquaWatch) and NASA’s Western Water Applications Office (WWAO) jointly sponsored the present study to determine if a JPL imaging spectrometer can provide space-based observations that can be used to deliver actionable information for water quality and aquatic ecosystems for societal benefit.
The focus was on evaluating the space segment, specifically assessing whether the necessary data for water managers could be:
- Detected from space using a JPL imaging spectrometer, and
- Supported by a feasible mission concept and satellite platform.
The study was led by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and CSIRO, with significant contributions from the University of California Merced (UC Merced), the University of Queensland and the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
The outcome of the study is the AquaSat-1 mission concept, outlined in this report and related publications, which lays the groundwork for an operational ‘H4’ system (as described earlier).
The study developed application objectives in three areas: potentially harmful algal blooms, invasive aquatic vegetation, and coral reefs.
Although these are not the only possible uses of AquaSat-1, they were selected for their strong alignment with sponsor goals and their potential to drive instrument design and mission requirements.
The AquaSat-1 mission concept offers a feasible approach to providing space-based observations that can be used to deliver actionable information for water quality and aquatic ecosystems.
By leveraging international collaboration and cutting-edge technology, AquaSat-1 establishes a next-generation capability for aquatic remote sensing to meet local, regional, and global needs.