Performance Trajectories of Earth Observation Technologies: Parameterized Formulations and Estimation

Since the first spacecraft were deployed for earth observation (EO) in the early 1960s, technological change in EO systems has significantly improved remote sensing capabilities. To fully understand the pace of past change and develop empirical baselines for future projections, it is important to quantitatively characterize performance of key instruments used in EO missions. This study presents trends in performance in EO instruments using empirical data from spacecraft and instruments deployed from 1959-2022. Parameterized models are derived to quantitatively determine temporal progression in key figures-of-merit. Pareto frontiers of mass and resolution of sounders, SAR, and radiometers are also determined. The results show a consistent shift in Pareto frontiers of radiometers across successive 15-year periods spanning 1972 to 2025.