Satellite Constellation Concept for a Novel 3D Image Reconstruction of Urban Areas

Abstract

Satellite imagery and data collection have many advantages over other sources of soil observations. The developments in this field lead to the need of reducing cost with improving image construction methods. The concept of so-called satellite constellation accompanied by 3D vision technique may improve the coverage of a specific area. Here presented a satellite constellation conception is for a 3D reconstruction of urban areas, filling the gap of the required temporal resolution to properly monitor this contribution. Thus, a miniaturization method of space vehicles was proposed using CubeSat constellation resides at an altitude of 500 km. The number of satellites required to meet the challenges of earth observation is nine satellites. To accomplish the main goal, meeting the adequate resolution, a development study around a deployable optic camera is presented for a 3D reconstruction.

KEYWORDS:

• Communication
• Constellation
• Coverage
• Cubesat
• Imagery
• 3D reconstruction

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank Prof Kamel Besbes, general manager of the Centre for Research in Microelectronic & Nanotechnology for his support in our work and research and his contribution to this research. As well Dr. Rochdi Bouchiha for his support and his participation in the previous works on which this work was built. The authors would like to thank the Taif University for funding this work through Taif University Research Supporting, Project number. (TURSP-2020/277), Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Taif University: [Grant Number TURSP-2020/277].

Notes on contributors

Nissen Lazreg

Nissen Lazreg is a PhD researcher doctor, at Center for Research in Microelectronics and Nanotechnology (CRMN). He received his doctoral degree in 2018 from Monastir University, Tunisia. It is focused on the development of construction techniques of 3D image. These techniques are based on new technology around satellite. He earned his masters in micro-nano electronics from University of Monastir. Email: [email protected]

Omar Ben Bahri

Omar Ben Bahri is a PhD, assistant professor, at University College of Ranyah, Taif University, since 2019. He earned his doctoral degree in 2018 from University of Monastir, Tunisia. The development of pico-satellite around mobile OS programming was the main objective of his researches. He received his masters in micro-nano electronic from University of Monastir, Tunisia. He has published several academic journal articles, conference proceedings, and technical reports. He has participated on CanSat Leader Training Program (CLTP) in 2015. His research interests include development of didactic satellites for space engineering demonstration.

Salem Hassayoun

Salem Hassayoun is a PhD student at the Faculty of Sciences of Monastir, University of Monastir. He received his masters in telecommunication from National School of Engineers of Carthage, University of Carthage. His researches focus on satellite communications systems and protocols. Email: [email protected]

Abdullah Alhumaidi Alotaibi

Abdullah Alhumaidi Alotaibi received the undergraduate degree in computer engineering from the Taif University, Saudi Arabia in 2011, the master's degree in wireless communication and signal processing from Kent University, UK in 2014, and the PhD degree from Brunel University in 2018. In 2011, he joined Taif University, Saudi Arabia, where he is currently an assistant professor and the head of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. He has published several academic journal articles, conference proceedings, and technical reports. His research interests include femto cellular radio, quality of service, feature extraction, geophysical image processing, image representation, indoor radio, interference management, learning (artificial intelligence). He participated in several international conferences focusing on his research activities. Email: [email protected]

Kamel Besbes

Kamel Besbes was born in 1960 in Monastir, Tunisia. He earned the master's degree from the Ecole Centrale de Lyon-France in 1986, the PhD degree from INSA Lyon, France, in 1989, and the “State Doctorate Degree” from Tunis University in 1995. In 1989, he joined Monastir University. He established teaching and research laboratories initiatives in microelectronics since 1990. Researches are focused on microelectronics devices, microsystems, detection and navigation instruments, embedded systems for environment, and space programs. He has more than 140 published and presented papers at workshops and conferences. He is a full professor since 2002. He was the vice-dean (2000–2005), the dean of Sciences Faculty of Monastir (2008–2011). He is the general director of Research Center for Microelectronics and Nanotechnology in the Techno park of Sousse (Tunisia) since 2014. Email: [email protected]