LSTM

Mission Overview

LSTM carries a high-resolution thermal-infrared sensor providing observations of land-surface temperature (LST) and emissivity at an unprecedented spatial resolution (SSD 50 m, 37 native at nadir) for an operational mission. The mission’s primary objectives are to monitor evapotranspiration (ET) rates by capturing the variability of LST as well as map and monitor soil composition improving sustainable agricultural productivity at field scale. LSTM’s thermal data are also key to understanding and adapting to climate variability, monitoring urban heat islands, and supporting wildfire risk assessment. The mission consists of two satellites (LSTM-A and LSTM-B) and is planned for launch from 2028, with an expected operational lifetime of seven and a half years.

Key Application Areas

• Precision agriculture and irrigation management
• Evapotranspiration and crop water stress
• Urban heat island monitoring
• Wildfire risk assessment

• Climate variability adaptation

   

Technical Documents & References

• LSTM Mission Requirements Document (v3.0, May 2021)
• LSTM on SentiWiki (Copernicus)
• Copernicus Sentinel Expansion missions
• ESA Scientific & Technical Mission Documents Library