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(April 3, 2014) To compensate the frustration over the endless search for missing the Malaysian airliner, Chinese scientists have doubled efforts to promote their project of a huge satellites network, which will enable Beijing to monitor the whole world.

As the mission to find the passenger jet MH370 which disappeared off the radars on March 8 with 239 people on board, 153 of them Chinese, is yet to yield to any substantial result, the space surveillance net project is gaining strong backing from key government officials in Beijing, the South China Morning Post reports.

China currently has satellites in the orbit but they largely focus on its region and surrounding area. The exact number of them is a state secret.

“If we had a global monitoring network today, we wouldn’t be searching in the dark. We would have a much greater chance to find the plane and trace it to its final position. The plan is being drafted to expand our regional monitoring capability,” Professor Chi Tianhe, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of remote Sensing and Digital Earth, told the SCMP.

After the Malaysian Boeing 777 went missing, the Chinese Academy of Engineering submitted a letter from senior scientists to state leaders advising them to begin building a global satellite-surveillance network.

If the project is given the green light by the Chinese government it could be up and running in as little as two years from now, says Chi. But it won’t be cheap, a satellite costs 400 million Yuan ($64 million) to build, this would mean the project as a whole would need a budget of at least 20 billion Yuan.

According to statistics from the US-based Union of Concerned Scientists there are about 1,000 satellites currently orbiting the earth, but the vast majority of those are for communication and only about 150 are for observation, remote sensing and military-surveillance.

Professor Liu Yu, an expert at Peking’s University’s school of earth and space sciences, believes the project could be game changing for China’s ability to spy from space.

“International earth-observation services today are dominated by the US and European countries, but if China launches more than 50 satellites for this purpose, the whole landscape will be changed,” said Liu.

But the project is by no means set in stone and it faces a number of technological hurdles. One of them is that the existing space centers in Jiuguan, Taiyuan and Xichang are involved in other missions, like manned space flights and plans to explore the Moon.

At the moment China launches about 15 satellites every year, but this would need to be at least doubled.

Space experts believe that with an upgrade at the Wenchang launch center in Hainan, which is now complete, it might be possible to increase China’s rocket capacity and thereby make the project possible.

While the quality of the imaging equipment also needs to be improved, says Liu.

Professor Zhao Chaofang, an oceanographer at the Ocean University of China in Qingdao, also said that China needs to develop more ground stations, to ease and speed up sending data back to earth.

“Many Chinese satellites can only offload their data when they are flying over China, so the data we receive is sometimes only a fraction of the amount collected by the satellites. To build up a global monitoring network as efficient as that of the US, our ground stations overseas must be expanded as well,” he said.

Source Voice of Russia
Spacewar

DALLAS, April 4, 2014 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — The “Global Satellite-based Earth Observation Market 2014-2018” report says one of the major trends witnessed in the market is the formation of the GEOSS. GEOSS is an internet-based platform that allows users of Earth observation data to access, search, and use the data, information, tools, and services for their needs.

GEOSS is mainly used to develop a data-driven system to investigate the Earth’s past, present, and future scenarios and models. In addition, the GEOSS is expected to address societal benefit areas of critical importance, such as disaster, climate, water, weather, ecosystem, agriculture, biodiversity, health, and energy. The GEOSS was developed by the GEO, a voluntary partnership of governments and international organizations, to utilize the growing potential of Earth observation. The GEO has been coordinating efforts to build GEOSS on the basis of a 10-year implementation plan. The GEOSS system is expected to be completed by 2015. Therefore, the formation of GEOSS is an emerging trend that is expected to have a positive influence on the growth of the market during the forecast period.

Analysts forecast the Global Satellite-based Earth Observation market will grow at a CAGR of 11.34 percent over the period 2013-2018. According to the report, one of the main drivers in this market is The “Global Satellite-based Earth Observation Market 2014-2018” report says one of the major trends witnessed in the market is the formation of the GEOSS. the increasing number of Earth observation satellites being launched. Seven Earth observation satellites were launched between January 2013 and October 2013. In addition, almost 30 Earth observation satellite missions are expected to be launched during November 2013-December 2014, and almost 258 Earth observation satellites are expected to be launched during 2014-2029.

Covered in this Report
The revenue from the Global Satellite-based Earth Observation market can be segmented into Data and value added services. The market revenue can also be segmented by vertical into Defense and Intelligence, Government Authorities, Energy and Natural Resources, Navigation and Location-based Services, Industry, and Living Resources.

Key Regions
North America
Europe
APAC
Latin America
MEA

Key Vendors
Astrium N.V.
DigitalGlobe Inc.
DMC International Imaging Ltd.
MacDonald, Dettwiler & Associates Ltd.

Other Prominent Vendors
Deimos Imaging S.l.
eGEOs S.p.A.
GeoOptics Inc.
hisdeSAT Servicios Estratégicos S.A.
ImageSat International NV
PlanetIQ
Rapid Eye A.G.
Skybox Imaging Inc.

Purchase Report Directly.

Key Market Driver
Growing Number Earth Observation Satellite Launches.

Key Market Challenge
Increasing Adoption of Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle-based Earth Observation.

Key Market Trend
Increasing Use of Earth Observation Maritime Applications.

Further, the report states that one of the major challenges in the market is the increasing adoption of UAV-based Earth observation. Many defense organizations as well as natural resources and biodiversity researchers, are using UAVs to gather information and imagery, because the UAVs provide more flexibility and hyper-spatial data compared to the satellite-based Earth Observation data.

Other Related Reports:
Global Satellite Market 2014-2018 The report has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the Global region; it also covers the Global Satellite market landscape and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

Key vendors dominating this space are Boeing, Airbus SAS., Lockheed Martin Corp., Orbital Sciences Corp., and Thales Group.

Other vendors mentioned in the report are APCO Technologies SA, Ariane Space, ATC Inc., China Great Wall Indutry Corp., Comtech Telecommunications Corp. , Encompass Digital Media, Inc., Eutelsat Communications S.A., GenCorp: Aerojet, Globalstar Inc., GlobeComm Systems Inc., Harris Corporation, Huawei, Hughes Satellite Systems Corp., Indian Space Research Organisation, Indian Space Research Organisation: ISRO, Inmarsat Plc., Intelsat Investment S.A., International Launch Services, Iridium Communications Inc., ITT Corporation: Space Systems, Jena-Optronik GmbH, L-3 Communications: Space and Navigation, Loral Space Systems, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, OHB System AG, Orbcomm Inc., Satcom Resources, SES S.A., SKY Perfect JSAT Holdings Inc., Space International Services, SPACEX, Star One S.A., STM Networks Inc., Telesat Holdings Inc., Thaicom Public Company Ltd., Thuraya Satellite Telecommunication Company Inc., United Launch Alliance, ViaSat Inc., and VT iDirect, Inc.

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PRcarbon

Sentinel-1, the first Copernicus Satellite dedicated to environmental monitoring, was successfully launched.

DEIMOS is in charge of the calibration, validation and performance analysis of the radar on board – to assure it takes good ‘pictures’ and fulfils its mission is our responsibility for the coming months!!

The ability of European citizens, policymakers and service providers to access key environmental data on a routine basis will take a major step forward following the launch today of ESA’s Sentinel-1A satellite.

The 2.3 tonne satellite lifted off on a Soyuz rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana at 21:02 GMT (23:02 CEST). The first stage separated 118 sec later, followed by the fairing (209 sec), stage 2 (287 sec) and the upper assembly (526 sec).

After a 617 sec burn, the Fregat upper stage delivered Sentinel into a Sun-synchronous orbit at 693 km altitude. The satellite separated from the upper stage 23 min 24 sec after liftoff.

“Sentinel-1A opens a new page in the implementation of Copernicus, the second EU flagship space initiative, after the Galileo positioning system,” said Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA.

“The Copernicus programme will provide European citizens with the most ambitious space-based services in the world for environmental and security applications.

“The cooperation between the EU and ESA Member States in the funding of the space infrastructure, the combination of competences and expertise between the European Commission and ESA, and the capabilities of European industry, are putting Europe at the forefront of utilisation of space to benefit citizens, policymakers and the economy.”

The mission is the first of six families of dedicated missions that will make up the core of Europe’s Copernicus environmental monitoring network. Copernicus will provide operational information on the world’s land surfaces, oceans and atmosphere to support environmental and security policymaking and the needs of individual citizens and service providers.

Designed as a two-satellite constellation – Sentinel-1A and -1B – the C band radar mission will provide all-weather day-and-night imagery of land and ocean surfaces of Europe, Canada and the polar regions in near real time.

Equipped with a powerful ‘synthetic aperture radar’, it will ensure continuity with the European Envisat satellite, which stopped working in 2012 after 10 years of service. The technology is based on a long heritage of radar satellites, starting with ERS-1 23 years ago.

“The launch of the first Sentinel-1 satellite marks a change in philosophy for our Earth observation programmes,” said Volker Liebig, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes. “In meteorology, satellites have been providing reliable data for weather forecasts for over 35 years.

“With the Copernicus programme, we will now have a similar information source for environmental services as well as for applications in the security and disaster management domain.”

In addition to transmitting data to a number of ground stations around the world for rapid dissemination, Sentinel-1 is also equipped with a laser terminal to transmit data via European Data Relay System satellites in geostationary orbit for continual data delivery.

The satellite’s solar panels and antenna are now being deployed in a complex sequence expected to take around 11 hours. The completion of deployment will be announced at www.esa.int/sentinel-1 and via Twitter @ESA_EO

After the initial ‘launch and early orbit phase’, the satellite will go into the commissioning phase, when all instruments will be checked and calibrated. The mission is expected to begin operations within three months.

Thales Alenia Space Italy is the prime contractor and Airbus DS Germany is responsible for the C band radar. Airbus DS UK supplied the central radar electronics subsystem.

Data from the Sentinel satellites will be provided on a free and open basis. Raw data will be analysed and processed by public and private sector service providers.

Spacedaily
The guardian
Europa.Press
Nature

Innovative Thinking, Creative Solutions

You are invited to attend GeoDATA 2014, a FREE* series of intuitive, one day seminars taking place in cities across the UK, Eire and Belgium.

We have created a seminar programme and supporting exhibition that is of immediate and practical relevance to every professional working with spatial data, products and services. Cutting edge presentations, real life case studies and examples of best practice offer you an excellent opportunity to explore geospatial technology and applications in this fast moving industry.

To find out more please visit the event website www.geoaware.info and take some time to view the content available including exhibitors, seminar topics and agendas.

Registration is now open online. So don’t miss out on this great opportunity and REGISTER TODAY

  • Dublin: 14 May 2014, Croke Park, Dublin. Agenda
  • Brussels: 3 June 2014, Novotel Brussels Airport, Brussels.
  • Glasgow: 4 November 2014, Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow.
  • Belfast: 20 November 2014, Stormont Hotel, Belfast.
  • London Showcase: 4 December 2014, Ilec Conference Centre, London.

Why Attend?

  • Explore latest spatial products and services
  • Discover cost savings
  • Interact with industry experts
  • Learn from successful projects
  • Receive expert advice
  • Attend for FREE*

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Register today

You’ve asked and we’ve delivered! After several busy months of preparation the Euroconsult Shop has opened its doors. Visit www.euroconsult-ec.com/shop to create an account, browse and purchase our exclusive research products. For more information please contact us directly.

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Euroconsult’s goal was to create an online platform where the firm’s clients can browse, purchase and download Euroconsult research products—quickly, easily and securely. With customer feedback in mind, the company has built the Euroconsult Shop, which has just enjoyed its grand opening

(2 April 2014) Simply by breathing, humans have played a small part in the planet-wide balancing act called the carbon cycle throughout our existence.

However, in the last few hundred years, we have taken a larger role. Our activities, such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation, are pushing the cycle out of its natural balance, adding more and more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

Natural processes are working hard to keep the carbon cycle in balance by absorbing about half of our carbon emissions, limiting the extent of climate change. There’s a lot we don’t know about these processes, including where they are occurring and how they might change as the climate warms. To understand and prepare for the carbon cycle of the future, we have an urgent need to find out.

In July 2014, NASA will launch the Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 (OCO-2) to study the fate of carbon dioxide worldwide. “Right now, the land and the ocean are taking up almost half of the carbon dioxide we add to the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels, but the future is fundamentally unknown,” said Paul Wennberg, a professor of atmospheric chemistry at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. “OCO-2 is a key to getting answers.” The mission has been developed and is managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.

Carbon dioxide is both one of the best measured greenhouse gases and one of the least measured. The emissions that remain in the atmosphere become evenly distributed around the globe in a matter of months. As a result, the average atmospheric concentration can be monitored well by existing ground stations (about 160 worldwide). The other half of our emissions — the half that is being absorbed through natural processes into the land or the ocean — is not evenly distributed. To understand where that carbon dioxide is going, we need precise, comprehensive, ongoing data about carbon dioxide absorption and emission by forests, the ocean and many other regions. For some of these regions, we have far too few observations.

“A research ship moves about the speed of a 10-speed bicycle,” said Scott Doney, director of the Ocean and Climate Change Institute at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Mass. “Think about the size of the ocean. There’s only so much research you can do at the speed of a bicycle.” Oceanographers have made up some of the observational deficit by contracting with shipping lines to gather data along commercial routes. But there’s little shipping in the Southern Ocean, and Doney said that’s a region of high concern. “With warming, we expect big changes. The winds are changing there, and carbon dioxide uptake may change too.”

On land, Earth’s great forests might be the least understood areas. In northern Siberia, a region with no permanent settlements and few roads, there are only six year-round monitoring sites across seven time zones. Forests remove carbon from the air during photosynthesis and store it in wood and roots, making these forests what scientists call carbon sinks. But droughts and wildfires can turn forests into carbon sources, releasing the stored carbon back into the atmosphere. We don’t know when and how often forests cross the line from sink to source.

OCO-2 will not be the first satellite to measure carbon dioxide, but it’s the first with the observational strategy, precision, resolution and coverage needed to answer these questions about these little-monitored regions, according to Ralph Basilio, OCO-2 project manager at JPL.

OCO-2’s scientific instrument uses spectrometers, which split sunlight into a spectrum of component colors, or wavelengths. Like all other molecules, carbon dioxide molecules absorb only certain colors of light, producing a unique pattern of dark features in the spectrum. The intensity of the dark features increases as the number of carbon dioxide molecules increases in the air that the spectrometer is looking through.

Carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere are measured in parts per million, the number of molecules of carbon dioxide there are in every million molecules of air. That number is currently around 400. OCO-2’s spectrometers can detect changes of one or two carbon dioxide molecules out of the 400 — an unprecedented level of precision, and one that scientists think will be adequate to detect changes in natural sources and sinks, once enough measurements have been collected.

OCO-2 will collect 24 measurements a second over Earth’s sunlit hemisphere, totaling more than a million measurements each day. Fewer than 20 percent of these measurements will be sufficiently cloud-free to allow an accurate estimate of carbon dioxide, but that number will still yield 100 to 200 times as many measurements as the currently observing Japanese Greenhouse gases Observing SATellite (GOSAT) mission. The measurements will be used as input for global atmospheric models. Combined with data on winds and other conditions, the OCO-2 data will allow modelers to better locate carbon sources and sinks at regional scales — areas the size of France or Texas.

“With atmospheric carbon dioxide at unprecedented levels, our sense of urgency has only increased,” said Basilio. “What will happen if we keep emitting carbon dioxide at the same rate? The ultimate goal for OCO-2 is to provide data so that organizations and individuals throughout the world can make better-informed decisions about carbon.”

OCO-2 is one of five new NASA missions launching in 2014. NASA monitors Earth’s vital signs from land, air and space with a fleet of satellites and ambitious airborne and ground-based observation campaigns. NASA develops new ways to observe and study Earth’s interconnected natural systems with long-term data records and computer analysis tools to see better how our planet is changing. The agency shares this unique knowledge with the global community and works with institutions in the United States and around the world that contribute to understanding and protecting our home planet.

(source: NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
Spacenewsfeed

(04April2014) the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), through its Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT), released a global report on maritime piracy.

Following a five year engagement by UNITAR to conduct applied research and geospatial analysis on piracy activities, this report constitutes the first global geospatial analysis on the issue. What started with identifying captured ships delivering humanitarian assistance and other goods using satellite imagery later expanded to regional geospatial analyses for the western Indian Ocean. The current report assesses piracy at the global level. This research includes detailed geo-spatial analyses, while relating findings to complementary factors, including references to specific examples illustrating the complexity of the piracy issue.

For an executive summary, link to full report and media-package, please go to https://www.unitar.org/unosat/piracy
bq. This research and present report have been made possible thanks to financial support of the Government of Sweden.
Source

eLEAF, a Netherlands-based high-tech company that supplies reliable, quantitative data on water and vegetation in order to support sustainable water use, increase food production, and protect environmental systems have recently called upon DMCii satellite imagery to provide satellite images of four pilot areas located in West- Noubaria (Egypt) Arata Chufa irrigation scheme, Oromiya (Ethiopia), the spate irrigation area of the Gash Delta (Sudan) and Office du Niger (Mali) to help improve the livelihoods and income of millions of farmers.

Water scarcity and food security are topics of utmost importance amongst the ever-expanding population of Africa. Due to a general lack of water resources availability and/or development in the semi-arid and arid zones, water is generally the limiting factor for agricultural production.

Ground data and models gathered by eLEAF and supported by DMCii satellite images provides farmers with timely and detailed field and crop information throughout the growing season. This supports the farmers in improving their crop production at the same time as their economic returns/income. Farmers are given the option to make informed decisions regarding the management of their land and water resources. This in turn enhances farmers’ negotiation capacity with water and farm related service providers.

DMCii uses a constellation approach to ensure cloud free imagery can provided on a regular and timely basis over large areas at least 160km wide. DMCii are the only satellite imaging company who can provide this important data at regular intervals, making them invaluable to the project.

So far, feedback from the farmers and local partners (agricultural staff) in the pilot areas in the four African countries is encouraging. eLEAF data provides valuable insights in a wide variety of crop specific information and is not restricted by political borders.

Source DMCii