BIRD (satellite)

BIRD
Mission typeEarth observation
OperatorDLR
COSPAR ID2001-049C Edit this at Wikidata
SATCAT no.26959Edit this on Wikidata
WebsiteDLR BIRD page
Mission duration1 year, 3 months
Spacecraft properties
Launch mass92 kilograms (203 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date22 October 2001 (2001-10-22)
RocketPSLV-C3
Launch siteSatish Dhawan FLP
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Eccentricity0.00209
Perigee altitude551 kilometres (342 mi)
Apogee altitude580 kilometres (360 mi)
Inclination97.8 degrees
Period96 minutes
Epoch22 October 2001, 00:53:00 UTC[1]

BIRD (Bispectral and Infrared Remote Detection) is a satellite launched by ISRO in 2001 for DLR. This small (92 kg) boxlike system, with solar panels and two collectors on stub wings, has remarkable fire-detection qualities. It hosts a two-channel infrared sensor system in combination with a Wide-Angle Optoelectronic Stereo Scanner (WAOSS). It also features a neuronal network classificator in orbit to reduce downlink bandwidth and cost.[2]

The unique combination of a stereo camera and two infrared cameras gives the opportunity to acquire:

  • More precise information about leaf mass and photosynthesis is needed for the early diagnosis of vegetation conditions and changes.
  • Real-time discrimination between smoke and water clouds

The attitude and control system of the BIRD satellite was reused in the TET-1 satellite.

  1. ^ "NASA - NSSDCA - Spacecraft - Trajectory Details". nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov. Retrieved 2018-05-01.
  2. ^ "BIRD - A DLR Small Satellite Mission for the Investigation of Vegetation Fires and Vegetation Condition". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2013-05-03.