Seeing Plastic from Space: A Spectro‑Polarimetric Approach to Ocean Litter Detection

In 30 seconds

This mission concept employs spaceborne imaging spectro-polarimetry to detect and characterize floating ocean plastic debris. By leveraging shortwave infrared bands and polarimetric signatures, the system distinguishes synthetic polymers from natural materials like algae or sea foam. This provides a critical technological leap for global environmental monitoring that current Earth observation systems cannot achieve.