Geometric Simulation of Earth’s Outgoing Radiation Viewed from a Moon-Based Platform

Abstract

Due to the characteristics of integrity, multi-angle and long period, a Moon-based platform is expected to accurately estimate Earth outgoing radiation. To evaluate this platform’s capabilities, this paper established a one-to-one mapping algorithm based on the geometric relationship and used the Goddard Earth Observing System model version 5 (GEOS-5) data as model input to simulate Earth’s outgoing radiation viewed from a Moon-based platform, so as to learn about the regularity of Earth outgoing radiation viewed from the Moon-based platform. Results show that a Moon-based platform can cover about 178° both in latitudinal and longitudinal direction in one image, including the polar regions. The changing inclination of the orbit of the Moon gives a better observation condition for high latitude regions, and the viewing zenith angle in polar regions can reach to 60°. These results indicate the simulation method can effectively support the observation of Earth’s outgoing radiation observation and lay the foundation for future research.

Keywords

Moon-based Earth observation / Earth outgoing radiation / simulation study / geometric modelling