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focusLEO, the GMV´s low-Earth orbit (LEO) flight dynamics product, has been selected by Orbital Sciences Corporation (NYSE:ORB) to support the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO), a mission to measure carbon dioxide in the Earth´s atmosphere managed by NASA´s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Orbital will provide the OCO project´s spacecraft and real-time mission operations.This is the first opportunity for GMV, a global satellite ground segment software company with a US subsidiary located in Rockville, Md., to support a NASA JPL mission. It is also GMV’s first sale of its operational Flight Dynamics software in support of a NASA mission.
focusLEO has also been sold by GMV to operate European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Meteorological Satellite Organization (EUMETSAT) missions. focusLEO provides full support to constellation flying which is important for OCO because it will fly in the NASA A-Train constellation. It provides full lifetime support of LEO and MEO satellite flight dynamics operations with attitude and orbit propagation and determination (including precise orbit determination), maneuver planning and calibration, flight dynamics events generation, and satellite end-of-life planning.
After its 2008 launch, the Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) mission will collect precise global measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the Earth‘s atmosphere. Scientists will analyze OCO data to improve the understanding of natural processes and human activities that regulate the abundance and distribution of this important greenhouse gas. This research will enable more reliable forecasts of future changes in the abundance and distribution of CO2 in the atmosphere and the effect that these changes may have on the Earth‘s climate.
(Source GMV)

Image processing has entered a new era with the object oriented approach.

The concept behind Definiens is that important semantic information necessary to interpret an image is not represented in single pixels, but in meaningful image objects and their mutual relationships.
While only spectral aspects can be used when classifying pixels, working with objects, as offered by Definiens, allows incorporating shape, texture and environmental factors to classify satellite imagery and aerial photography.
GIM offers the following product:
Definiens Professional Earth 5 provides segmentation and extended classification functionality. In version 5, processes replace protocols offering extended possibilities for development, editing and execution of Image Analysis Routines. It offers improved algorithms for segmentation and classification of images and fusion of objects (e.g. Quadtree & Chessboard Segmentation, possibility to reclassify objects that are enclosed by a certain class, simple processing loops). Furthermore, the assignment of aliases is improved for a better transferability. Finally, thematic layer insertion and manual editing were extended for a better classification.
Furthermore, GIM is proud to offer you Definiens related services:
• On-request Definiens training course
• Improving the efficiency of your mapping processes
• Interpretation and automated classification of your aerial and satellite images;
• Urban Green products using Definiens;
• …
Definiens Professional Earth 5 is a Definiens product
To request additional information on the software, a demo licence or an offer, please contact us via definiens@gim.be
or give us a call on +32 16 40 30 39
(Source GIM and Definiens)

GAF AG has completed successfully the main phase of a technical assistance project in establishing the geoscience and mining information centre in Madagascar BPGRM – Base de données pour la Promotion et la Gouvernance des Ressources Minérales – Centre d`Information Géoscientifique et Minière de Madagascar), under the “Projet de Gouvernance des Ressources Minérales” (PGRM).

The works have been performed for the Ministry of Mines & Energy, Antananarivo, Madagascar, and are funded by the World Bank-International Development Association and the Government of Madagascar. The Information Centre has been officially launched by the Ministry of Energy and Mines Sept 29th and is a key achievement for the promotion of the mining sector and the attraction of foreign investment.
Please visit the project website here.
(Source GAF AG)

EUROSENSE provides important geo-information to several players in the risk management cycle. In this rapid changing world, cartographic data have to catch up with the appearing of new housing, roads, buildings,… By frequently monitoring elements at risk, EUROSENSE offers data-layers with a regular update of the changes. This multi-risk service provides geo-information that is indispensable in the prevention phase or crisis situation of all sorts of risks.

The first phase of the GMES-project RiskEOS funded by ESA, in which EUROSENSE is involved as ‘Service Developer’ and ‘Service Provider’, was ended successfully in November 2006. This is also proven by the fruitful cooperation of EUROSENSE with the Slovak Water Management Enterprise, Danube basin, which also triggered the interest and enthusiasm of the City of Bratislava.
On a daily basis new housing, new roads, buildings and infrastructures appear in many regions across Europe. The cartographic material which represents the actual situation is outdated and is only updated every 5 or 10 years. Especially for regions with a lot of new developments and changes, for example cities in Central Europe, the existing printed maps are not updated frequently and can’t catch up with the changes on the terrain. When a natural disaster takes place, the consequences are obvious: new developments are not integrated in the geo-data used for risk management and so they are not taken into account by the rescue teams or crisis managers. This can have disastrous consequences when acting in a crisis-situation.
The service “Monitoring of elements at risk” of EUROSENSE makes it possible to frequently provide several end-users with up-to-date maps. These end-users are civil protection agencies, water management authorities and rescue organisations. The maps contain urban areas, as well as isolated buildings, industrial/ commercial/public buildings and infrastructures and/or all their changes in a fixed period of time, depending on the product.
Based on optical satellite images, several geo-data products can be produced by using a semi-automatic classification process. The overall focus of the service is to locate and to identify all civilian elements contained by areas prone to risk of natural disasters, e.g. recent or predicted flooded areas. Besides for risk mapping, these products are also very useful for urban and regional planning purposes and users.
The benefits of this service are the rapid way of updating old cartographic data for a large coverage and the possibilities of doing this on a yearly or 2-yearly basis, depending on the users’ needs. This EUROSENSE’ service is continuously improved in close cooperation with the several end-users. In that way this multi-risk service can be adapted to the specific user needs and the results can be integrated in the existing database or system.
Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. represent Bratislava and its surroundings lying very closely to the Danube River. A great
part of the city is situated approximately 4 to 5 meters below the
Danube level. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.C the new buildings (appeared
between 2005 and 2006) are presented in red in a 3D-perspective. In Fig. 2.A you can see the situation in 2005. Fig. 2.B represents the architectural plan of a building in 2005 in light blue.
For more information on this service, we refer to the following contact information:
EUROSENSE
Address: Nerviërslaan 54 B-1780 Wemmel BELGIUM
Phone: +32 2 460 70 00
Fax: +32 2 460 49 58
E-mail: andre.jadot@eurosense.com
Website: http://www.eurosense.com
(Source EUROSENSE)

Earth Observation shall be the focus government space application for the next ten years … The estimated world government investment in this area is $4.6 billion in 2006 for both unclassified defense and civil space programs. This represents a 6.8% average annual growth over the period 2002-2006.

For the first time world government space spending exceeds $50 Billion
Euroconsult’s new report on the states of play and prospects for government space programs worldwide has identified over 60 active public civil and defense space programs around the world cumulating over $50 billion spending in 2006. Continuous growth in government spending is expected after this historical peak confirming the good shape of the government market while the commercial market remains fragile.
A changing market environment increases new cooperation opportunities in the civil market
Increasingly more countries build up investments in civil space programs with worldwide public expenditure estimated $27.8 billion in 2006. Key factors for growth include
• Growth of the US civil space program with $17.3 billion allocated in 2006 in order to support space science and exploration programs
• Spectacular recovery of the Russian program with a clear effort by the Russian government to expand and modernize capabilities. Investments increased from $195 million in 2001 to $821 million in 2006.
• A dynamic Asian market. Indian and Chinese space programs have experienced the most impressive expansion and should keep their pace in the medium term. Both have prioritized self-reliance and positioned themselves as leading partners for both established and emerging countries. South Korea and Malaysia should emerge as other regional leaders
• Multiplication of initiatives worldwide: Whereas a dozen countries devoted a significant budget to their civil space program in the early 1990’s, the number has doubled ten years after offering new business and cooperation opportunities. Space agencies have been created in several countries such as Algeria, Chile, Malaysia, Nigeria and Turkey. These countries focus on programs from which they can reap direct benefits and develop local capabilities, mainly observation (environment monitoring, security & defense)t and telecommunications (broadcasting, telemedicine…).
Earth Observation shall be the focus application for the next ten years
Earth observation is the second largest civil space application worldwide. The estimated world government investment in this area is $4.6 billion in 2006 for both unclassified defense and civil space programs. This represents a 6.8% average annual growth over the period 2002-2006.
It is the priority program area for a large number of countries due to its contribution to environment, defense and security and relative low cost.
Earth observation is the main area of interest for emerging countries, including in Asia (eg Thailand) and Latin America (eg Chile) with more and more countries planning to develop domestic capabilities.
A dynamic European market: European countries are renewing/developing national capabilities essentially for dual purposes, including Spain (Seosat), France (Pleaides, Helios 2), Germany (Sar Lupe) and Italy (Cosmo Skymed). In addition, EO programs are experiencing new management models with public private partnerships projects (RapideEye, TerraSar). These initiatives are witnessing better market acceptance for Earth Observation products and services and a better understanding of business models from the finance community.
A lucrative US market: the US DoD has an unchallenged program mainly directed by the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) who manages classified programs essentially oriented towards surveillance/reconnaissance applications and roughly estimated at about $10 billion. Contribution of the private sector is an essential component of the military program with two standing contracts Clearview and Nextview to Digital Globe and GeoEye to secure imagery access for an estimated annual value of $500 million.
Earth Observation programs shall remain the focus application in the future, with 32 % of the satellite planned (77 satellites) for the next ten years. It is the favored applications for emerging countries since it provides high return for a relatively low level of investment. In addition, established countries have set environment purposes as a clear priority in their space agenda (Japan, Europe, Canada in particular)
EO Program multiplication in emerging markets

About Euroconsult…..
Euroconsult is an employee-owned company with over 500 clients in 50 countries. Since its creation in 1983, the company has become a worldwide reference for expertise and independent advice on satellite application and digital broadcasting for innovative and high-technology companies.
Euroconsult’s service capabilities include independent assessments of business plans and government policies, market assessments, financial valuations, risk assessments and feasibility studies. Euroconsult also host the World Satellite Business Week, September 3-6, 2007, Hotel Westin, Paris. (http://www.satellite-business.com)
For further information please contact;
Adam Keith
Tel. +33 (0)1 49 23 75 27
Fax +33 (0)1 48 05 54 39
(Source Euroconsult)

The European Space Agency has awarded ESYS a contract to study the impact of various scenarios for future ESA governance.

ESYS wins a contract to study scenarios for future ESA governance.
ESA was created in 1975, as an intergovernmental organisation having no legal or organic link with the then-called European Communities. The two institutions have continued to lead separate lives, each having its own Member States, and its own legal texts. However, over the last few years, the relation between ESA and the European Union (EU), in particular the European Commission has intensified and become closer.
A study is being conducted by the European Commission into the impact of the European Space Policy, using a number of specific scenarios for how ESA governance might evolve. The general objective of the current contract with ESYS is to perform a detailed assessment of how these scenarios, might impact the Agency’s role and operations. In particular the study will examine the Agency’s overall functioning (especially its financial operations), its decision making processes and its industrial policy. The legal dimension, such as the ESA Convention and the ESA/EU Framework Agreement, is also an important aspect to be considered.
ESYS is prime contractor for the study, and is teamed with Euroconsult of Paris, and the Institute of Air and Space Law, University of Cologne.
Mike Dillon, ESYS CEO, comments: “This is the most important strategic question facing the space sector in Europe today. ESYS, together with our teaming partners, feel privileged to be entrusted with such an important assignment at this time of great change for the European space community.”
Contact
Nigel Burke
Email: nburke@esys.co.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)1483 304545
Fax: +44 (0)1483 303878
(Source ESYS)

The SANCHO program (Aerostatic System for Navigation, Communications and Observation Tools) seeks to develop medium and high altitude aerostats for security, fire surveillance and telecommunications applications, as well as the testing of aerial navigation and alignment technologies.

SANCHO will contribute to GMES as an in-situ element, complementing satellite observation, to which it will contribute improved image refreshment times and greater resolution in limited areas.
SANCHO has redirected its objectives toward the development of medium-altitude operational systems as of 2008, incorporating mature technologies, as an intermediary step toward the contribution to vehicles operating at high altitudes. SANCHO is led by INSA and INTA, and has a group of significant companies in aerospace, TIC and environment sectors, as well as in the development of alternative power sources .
(Source INSA)

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) based in Guilford (UK) has started manufacturing key elements of the satellite it will launch next year on behalf of Deimos Imaging, S.L.

The satellite incorporates many enhancements over the previous DMC series, effectively starting a new series with a platform based on current technologies. For example, the power system has been increased in capacity and reliability using the experience gathered on Giove-A and other on-going projects.
Attitude Control System has also been re-designed in some areas to account for operational experience with currently-flying satellites. However, many components are still reused from previous DMC satellites which allows manufacturing to start early.
Manufacturing of power, on-board data handling, radio communications and propulsion systems has been started owing to this long heritage. The much-enhanced imager, with optical qualities well above current DMC satellites, will be started soon once the redesign work has been finished and reviewed.
Preliminary Design Review for the project was held successfully end-November, with Critical Design Review scheduled for mid-February. The project is running with a very tight schedule but there are no critical issues and it is expected that full integration of the spacecraft bus and the imager payload will be started well before Summer.
At the same time, Deimos Imaging and LATUV are developing a series of products and services specifically tailored for agriculture, forest, land use, environment, hydrology, monitoring natural resources and disaster monitoring. These use NASA and ESA multispectral images and DMC imagery available already, and will seamlessly be compatible with the data that the company‘s satellite will provide next year.
Contact: Pedro Duque, Director General
Credits: DMC and Deimos Imaging SL

Definiens GMES Award for Innovation and Research with Definiens eCognition™ Technology

Extended deadline submissions: Feb 20th, 2007
Dear GMES Partner,
Your work contributes significantly to the development of operational services from remote sensing imagery and geospatial data, which is the major goal of the European GMES. We are proud that Definiens eCognition™ Technology benefits GMES service chains by providing accurate, cost-efficient and reliable information from remote sensing data; therefore, we want to thank our users and honour their work with the two Definiens awards:
Definiens GMES Innovation Award 2007 for successful GMES Services
We will help the Definiens GMES Innovation Award winner to further increase quality and service automation by awarding a Definiens Developer and Definiens eCognition™ Server license, four days of Definiens training and a professionally written case study.
Definiens GMES Research Award 2007 for leading edge research work using Definiens eCognition™ within GMES or related services
The Definiens GMES Research Award winner will receive an entry to IGARSS 2007 and the unique opportunity to meet Nobel Laureate and Definiens founder Prof. Gerd Binnig at Definiens Munich to present his/her work.
The main award evaluation criteria will be customer satisfaction, the merit of the envisaged service roll-out and the degree of production chain innovation for increased automation and standardization. Mark Doherty (European Space Agency), Christine Bernot (European Commission) and Prof. Gerd Binnig (Definiens AG) will form the steering committee to select the best contributions.
How to participate:
Please complete the online application - this should take no more than 15 minutes. A short list of finalists will be contacted to present more details of their work for consideration in the final judging.
Please complete your online entry no later than February 6th, 2007.
If you wish to enter two or more services, please be sure to complete a separate application for each service.
We are looking forward to your contribution and are available for any questions at award@definiens.com.
Sincerely,
Your Definiens Team
Please note:
1) The evaluation of your contribution shall be in the absolute discretion of the steering committee. Any legal measures against the steering committee’s assessment shall be excluded.
2) All your project data will only be used for the Definiens GMES Awards and Definiens GMES Research Award Evaluation. Any further usage will be subject to your written approval.
3) The Award application form can also be found manually at by typing the following address into your browser: http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2262JRJ7XP5

Critical Software is main Service Provider of the Risk-EOS ESA project
in Portugal for forest fires Burn Scars Mapping

Critical Software will provide Burn Scars Mapping services to the
Forestry Department of the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture (DGRF) and
the association Aliança Florestal, in collaboration with ADISA/Instituto
Superior de Agronomia and the company INOV-Inesc Inovação.
The products are annual and daily maps of the burnt forest regions in
Portugal, based on satellite remote sensing and with up to 25m accuracy.
The project will run during the 2007 and 2008 seasons.
The GMES project Risk-EOS (www.risk-eos.com) is coordinated by the
European Space Agency (ESA) center ESRIN. The Risk-EOS consortium, led
by Infoterra France, delivers services for Floods and Forest Fires risk
management.
For any additional information, please contact
Mr. Andrea Pelizzari
phone +351-239 989 100,
apelizzari@criticalsoftware.com
About Critical Software
ritical Software provides reliable IT solutions for critical systems.
The company was funded in 1998, with offices in Southampton (UK), San
Jose (USA), and head quarter in Coimbra (Portugal). Main business areas
are Aerospace, Defense, Industry and the Public Sector.