The NorthStar system — A new era in Earth Observation

NorthStar: “Changing the way we see the world.” This paper introduces the NorthStar constellation of satellites as a new era in remote sensing that will respond to urgent terrestrial and spaceborne information needs. The NorthStar System of Systems includes Earth Observation (EO) and Space Situational Awareness (SSA) modules, with a key unifying theme for identifying and extracting meaningful and actionable information required by a global client base. The Earth Observation module is introduced here, including rationale, information needs from multispectral/IR and hyperspectral sensors, ground data segments, and the unifying concept of Applications for Global Innovation and Leadership (AGILE) Centres.