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Imaging spectroscopy enables the observation and monitoring of surface properties thanks to the diagnostic capability of contiguous, spectral measurements from the Visible to the Shortwave Infra-Red portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. These observations of the Earth’s surface support the generation of a wide variety of new products and services, spanning across different domains relevant to various European Union (EU) policies that are currently not being met or can be substantially improved, not only for the public, but also for the private downstream sector. The Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment (CHIME) aims to provide routine hyperspectral observations over the land and coastal zones through the Copernicus Programme in support of EU- and related policies for the management of natural resources, assets, and benefits. This unique Visible-to-shortwave Infra-Red spectroscopy based observational capability will in particular support new and enhanced services for food security, agriculture and raw materials. For the development of the Space Segment Contract (Phase B2/C/D/E1) Thales Alenia Space (France) as Satellite Prime and OHB (Germany) as Instrument Prime were selected. The contract was signed in November 2020 and the corresponding Kick-Off released the start of Phase B2. The System Requirement Review (SRR) was conducted in July 2021 and the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) is being conducted in 2022. Currently there are two satellites foreseen and each of the satellites will embark a HyperSpectral Instrument (HSI), a pushbroom-type grating Imaging Spectrometer with high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), high radiometric accuracy and data uniformity. HSI consists of a single telescope for three single-channel spectrometers covering each one-third of the total swath of approximately 130 km. The spectral range of each spectrometer is covering the entire spectral range from 400 to 2500 nm. CHIME data will be processed and disseminated through the Copernicus core Ground Segment allowing the generation of CHIME core products: L2A (bottom-of-atmosphere surface reflectance in cartographic geometry), L1C (top-of-atmosphere reflectance in cartographic geometry) and L1B (top-of-atmosphere radiance in sensor geometry). Additional higher level prototype products related to key vegetation, soil and raw material properties are also being developed. In this contribution, besides the mission requirements and planning, the main outcomes of the activities in Phase A/B1 and B2, as well as the planned activities for Phase C/D/E will be presented, covering the scientific support studies, the technical developments, and the user community preparatory activities.
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