System characterization report on the BlackSky Global multispectral sensor

First posted June 6, 2023 For additional information, contact: Director, Earth Resources Observation and Science CenterU.S. Geological Survey47914 252nd StreetSioux Falls, SD 57198Contact Pubs Warehouse This report addresses system characterization of the BlackSky Global satellites is part a series reports produced delivered by U.S. Survey Cal/Val Center Excellence. These present detail methodology procedures for characterization; technical operational information about specific sensing being evaluated; provide summary test measurements, data retention practices, analysis results, conclusions.The are three-band multispectral imagers (red, green, blue bands plus panchromatic band) with 0.8- to 0.9-meter (m) pixel ground sample distance assessed satellites. 9 12–17 were launched in March December 2021, respectively, into Sun-synchronous orbit 430–450 kilometers an inclination 42–53 degrees swath width 6 at nadir. Each satellite has expected lifetime 3 years. More on available “Land Remote Sensing Satellites Online Compendium” (https://calval.cr.usgs.gov/apps/compendium) from www.BlackSky.com.The Excellence team completed analyses characterize geometric (interior exterior) spatial performances. Results these indicate that have interior performance range −0.011 m (−0.012 pixel) 0.007 (0.008 easting −0.018 (−0.020 0.012 (0.013 northing band-to-band registration; exterior using control points 8.0-m circular error (95-percent certainty) orthorectified products 10.7- 17.4-m nonorthorectified products, depending geolocation metadata used; 1.70 2.43 pixels full half maximum, modulation transfer function Nyquist frequency 0.032 0.084.