Hyperspectral image simulator to support SPECTRA mission system study

SPECTRA (Surface Processes and Ecosystem Changes Through Response Analysis) is an ESA Earth Explorer candidate mission focused on assessing key vegetation variables, such as fractional vegetation cover, albedo, LAI, and leaf chlorophyll content, for global up-scaling. The mission involves regular observation of terrestrial sites, with each site acquired seven times at different along-track incidence angles.  The SPECTRA satellite will carry an optical hyperspectral payload covering the solar spectral range (0.4 to 2.4 µm) and the Thermal IR region. For the SPECTRA Phase A study, Alcatel Space and ABB Bomem developed an image simulator to assess the architecture's compliance with system and scientific requirements. This article details the SPECTRA Mission, presents the hyperspectral image simulator, and showcases its results.