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The advantages of new vantages for Earth Science - Earth observation mission vantages: options

All observing missions must perform certain basic functions. Among these, missions observe by physically interacting with the environment, and must place themselves at an appropriate vantage to obtain these observations. This paper examines current and proposed vantages used for Earth science observation missions. The paper identifies key aspects of value for these vantages and uses these aspects to suggest other vantages that may be of interest for future Earth observation missions. For space missions the three key aspects are (1) range/continuity of coverage, (2) lighting/time of day, and (3) ground-track geolocation. For example, the Deep Space Climate Observer uses the Sun-Earth Lagrange point to achieve distant/continuous coverage with constant, near noon lighting. The advance of technologies such as solar sails, long-duration balloons, and unpiloted air vehicles will enable the consideration of vantages not currently possible. The author hopes that an improved understanding of the value for Earth science of new vantages will facilitate the identification, development, and adoption of new mission capabilities to achieve these vantages.