title: Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean: instrument description and first images.
abstract: The Hyperspectral Imager for the Coastal Ocean (HICO) is the first spaceborne hyperspectral sensor designed specifically for the coastal ocean and estuarial, riverine, or other shallow-water areas. The HICO generates hyperspectral images, primarily over the 400-900 nm spectral range, with a ground sample distance of ≈90 m (at nadir) and a high signal-to-noise ratio. The HICO is now operating on the International Space Station (ISS). Its cross-track and along-track fields of view are 42 km (at nadir) and 192 km, respectively, for a total scene area of 8000 km(2). The HICO is an innovative prototype sensor that builds on extensive experience with airborne sensors and makes extensive use of commercial off-the-shelf components to build a space sensor at a small fraction of the usual cost and time. Here we describe the instrument's design and characterization and present early images from the ISS.
authors.affiliation: Remote Sensing Division, Naval Research Laboratory, 4555 Overlook Avenue, Washington, District of Columbia 20375, USA.
authors.forename: Robert L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Lucke
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Corson
authors.forename: Norman R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: McGlothlin
authors.forename: Steve D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Butcher
authors.forename: Daniel L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Wood
authors.forename: Daniel R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Korwan
authors.forename: Rong R
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Willliam A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Snyder
authors.forename: Curt O
authors.initials: CO
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Davidson T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Chen