Abstract for presentation at The 13th Australasian Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Conference

BIRD (Bi- Spectral Infra Red Detection) is the first DLR Small Satellite Mission. The Mission Objectives were dedicated to the development, qualification and demonstration of micro-satellite technologies in space, to the test in space of a new generation of
adaptive infrared sensors suitable for small satellite missions and to the detection and scientific investigation of high-temperature phenomena from space. BIRD was launched on 22 October 2001 with an Indian PSLV-C3 launcher. The main payload consists of a Bi-Spectral Infrared Push Broom Scanner (3.4-4.2µm and 8.5-9.3µm), a Stereo Push Broom Imager for the Visible and Near Infrared and a neural network classification signal processor. The IR cameras are equipped with an advanced real time data processing capability allowing an autonomously adaptation of the dynamic range to different scenarios. The BIRD mission is a demonstrator for small satellite projects dedicated to the hazard detection and monitoring. In the year 2003 BIRD has been used in the ESA project FUEGOSAT to demonstrate the utilisation of innovative space technologies for fire risk management. Within these activities the BIRD data products were detailed compared with related MODIS results showing the greater information content of the BIRD Data in this field. Based on these experiences in the GMES SENTINEL-2 MRD is stated that “Currently operated space-borne missions (such as BIRD and MODIS) and ongoing studies have determined the reference requirements for detecting temperature anomalies and high temperature events. Besides these activities results of other studies to develop an improved system for fire detection from space will be presented.