Initial results of the TUBIN small satellite mission for wildfire detection.

TUBIN is a microsatellite mission tasked with the demonstration of microbolometer technology for the detection of high-temperature events. To this end, the spacecraft employs a set of two microbolometers sensitive in the thermal range of the electromagnetic spectrum as well as a complementary CMOS-based imager for the visible spectrum. Additionally, the mission serves to demonstrate the upgraded capabilities of the TUBiX20 microsatellite platform after its initial implementation within the TechnoSat mission, launched in 2017. Here, the platform was upgraded with star trackers for enhanced attitude determination to enable the pointing accuracy required by the mission. Launched in June 2021, TUBIN has already successfully detected wildfires and volcanic activity in different biomes across the globe. Additionally, the sensor suite of the TUBIN mission was applied to examine its capabilities in the assessment of light-pollution in dedicated night time imaging campaigns. In this paper, we present and analyze data sets captured in the first six months of operation to illustrate capabilities, accomplishments, and challenges regarding payload operation, calibration, and data analysis for the TUBIN mission. Finally, the plans for the second half of TUBIN's nominal lifetime are outlined, including an on-orbit calibration campaign and increased automation in payload operations. • Wildfire detection with a small satellite platform in the 20 kg range using uncooled microbolometer technology. • We introduce updates to the highly modular satellite platform. • Initial orbit results are presented to showcase the performance of the payload. • More than a thousand images were taken to demonstrate detection of high-temperature events, calibration routine and other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]