Architecture of a Satellite-Based Sensor Network for Environmental Observation

Sensor webs are a promising technology for future earth science research because of its capability of adaptive observation from a network of in-situ and remote sensors. As important components of sensor webs, in-situ sensor networks have attracted strong attention in recent years. In-situ sensors observe the phenomena being investigated at close proximity, and can be used to calibrate remote sensors. However, despite great technology advancements, there are still many challenges to make sensor networks a turn-key solution for various science applications. The paper addresses some of the major challenges by developing a flexible sensor network architecture with a long-term goal to evolve into a sensor web. This paper describes the system architecture and its major components.