Agricultural Automation and Space Technology

Flashcards covering the integration of microsatellite technology, orbital mechanics, and spectroscopy in Philippine precision farming and food security.

PhilSA

The Philippine Space Agency, which utilizes microsatellites to support precision farming and monitor Philippine agriculture.

Diwata

A series of microsatellites used by the Philippine Space Agency for monitoring crops, predicting risks, and gathering satellite-based data.

Remote Sensing

The process where cameras and sensors observe large farming areas and collect data without needing physical inspection or direct contact.

Precision Farming

A farming management concept that allows farmers to apply fertilizer and resources only where needed, reducing unnecessary expenses.

Food Security

Reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food at all times.

Optics

A field of science that enables satellites to gather information about crops and land surfaces through light and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Healthy Plant Reflection

The phenomenon where healthy plants absorb most red light for photosynthesis while reflecting large amounts of near-infrared (NIR) light.

Orbital Mechanics

The science that studies how objects move in space under the influence of gravity to predict and control the motion of satellites and spacecraft.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

The specific type of orbit used by Earth observation satellites.

Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)

The type of orbit used by GPS satellites.

Geostationary Orbit (GEO)

The type of orbit used by communication satellites.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Energy that travels in the form of waves, which satellites detect as they are reflected or emitted by crops, soil, and water.

Visible Light Spectrum

The wavelength region between $400-700\,nm$ used to observe crop color, growth stage, and vegetation coverage.

Near-Infrared (NIR)

The wavelength region between $700-1300\,nm$ that is strongly reflected by healthy plants due to their internal leaf structure.

Shortwave Infrared (SWIR)

The wavelength region between $1300-3000\,nm$ that is sensitive to the moisture content in plants and soil.

Thermal Infrared

The wavelength region between $3-14\,\mu m$ used to measure surface temperature and identify drought stress.

Spectroscopy

The study of how materials interact with electromagnetic radiation, creating unique patterns of reflection and absorption.

Spectral Signatures

Unique light reflection and absorption patterns that allow scientists to distinguish between healthy crops, stressed crops, water, and bare soil.

NDVI

The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, a vegetation index calculated using the formula $\frac{NIR - Red}{NIR + Red}$ to assess vegetation health.