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THE PHILIPPINES is putting up PEDRO (Philippine Earth Data Resource Observation Center), is one of the five components of the PHL-Microsat program of Department of Science and Technology poised to be the satellite ground station and always ready to receive data and satellite images from Diwata-1 at a speed of 2.4Mpbs.

Diwata-1 is the country’s first micro-satellite launched into orbit on April 27. It flies in the sky to capture photos and images using its high precision telescope, space borne multispectral imager, and wide field camera for observing large-scale weather patterns and monitoring bodies of water and vegetation.

Filipino scientists and analysts will process received data into various spatial data that will be useful to the Departments of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and National Defense, to name a few.

Data from Diwata will be received by PEDRO and processed for use in crop management especially in times of supply shortage. This technology is a very important tool for the government to better anticipate extreme weather events such as the El Niño Phenomenon.

PEDRO is expected to start operations by the time Diwata-2 is launched in 2017 or 2018 in Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales province. (With a report from Mindanao Examiner)

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[Via Satellite 06-29-2016] DigitalGlobe has completed its 18-month-long transition of the WorldView 1 imaging satellite from a morning orbit to an afternoon orbit. The satellite now passes directly above Earth locations at approximately 1:30 p.m. local time.

WorldView 1 uses a large telescope and advanced pointing technology to capture images of locations hundreds of miles to the east or west of its position, in multiple time zones. DigitalGlobe has three other high-accuracy, high-resolution satellites in morning orbits, enabling customers to see the Earth anytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. local time, double the previous daily access window when imaging can take place. The company plans to further enhance its intra-day collection capabilities with the planned mid-September launch of the WorldView 4 satellite into a morning orbit.

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Brussels, 24 & 25 January 2017


WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THE 9th EU SPACE CONFERENCE

Since it will be held in early 2017, this 9th EU Space Conference will obviously become the awaited opportunity for all the space stakeholders – representatives of national and EU institutions, industry, research centres, EU associations, civil society and media – to debate at the highest level about the key priorities for the development of space and space-based activities in Europe, as they will be identified in the “Space Strategy for Europe”, to be adopted by the European Commission shortly beforehand.

The debate would lead to know:

  • If all the space stakeholders consider that the key priorities proposed meet their expectations to face, in a competitive way, the profound changes due to the new technological breakthroughs and the increasing competition from old and new global players;
  • What will be the first concrete initiatives to move ahead that the European Commission is ready to take, with the approval of the European Parliament and the EU Members States, and the support of ESA;
  • To which extent the EU is ready to bring sufficient financial support to realize its ambitions.

Indeed, the budgetary dimension is crucial to the continuation of the current EU programmes such as

EGNOS/Galileo, Copernicus and SST, and the possible fulfilment of new projects, such as GovSatCom, as well as to support research and innovation projects.

Therefore, the 9th Conference will take place at the very moment of the review of the current multiannual financial framework for period 2014-2020, including the RD&I Programme Horizon 2020, and of the upcoming preparation of the next multiannual financial framework for period 2020-2027.

These topics are crucial for the future of the European space industry and for a resilient development of a “space market uptake” aiming at creating new space-based services, new enterprises and new jobs. To feed such a dynamic, interactive and fruitful debate among the numerous participants, many guest speakers from national and European institutions, space agencies, research centres, large companies as well as innovative SMEs, including from the supply chain, public users and civil society, will be invited to take the floor during the conference.

The Group on Earth Observations (GEO) is a partnership of 103 governments and 95 organizations that envisions a future where decisions and actions for the benefit of humankind are informed by coordinated, comprehensive and sustained Earth observations. Together, the GEO community is creating a Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) that will link Earth observation resources world-wide to inform policies on sustainable development, mitigation and response to the effects of climate change, disaster risk reduction and protection of the environment.

Under the supervision of the Director, GEO Secretariat, you will formulate strategies for the production of a comprehensive stakeholder engagement and outreach programme to support GEO objectives.

We are looking for a seasoned networker who can foster increased collaboration across the GEO community (GEO members, participating organizations and affiliates) to ensure focus, alignment and strengthen involvement and you can further the expansion of an active GEO community including growth of contributions (both financial and human) required to support the GEO Work Programme foundational activities and GEO global initiatives.

The ideal candidate will also increase and facilitate commercial sector involvement into the GEO Programme, including commercial sector forums and targeted outreach campaigns.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communication, business administration, journalism, international relations, political science or economics, complemented by a degree or equivalent experience in a scientific or technical field related to Earth observation and/or information.

Experience
At least 10 years of combined national and international progressively responsible experience in the public or private sector, together with experience in public communication, media, policy formulation and analysis, and resource mobilization.

Other requirements
A solid understanding of the political environment of GEO; ability to think strategically, to identify key issues and related policy implications; strong analytical and policy development skills and ability to make clear, concise and articulate presentations to senior officials and convincingly argue one’s position; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both inside and outside the GEO Secretariat.

Applications from suitably qualified female and male candidates are equally welcome. The statutory retirement age after 1 January 2014 is 65. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

For more information apply here

On June 22, 2016 EARSC members elected their new chaiman and vice-chairman at the occasion of the general assembly of the association.

On the picture: Celestino Gomez EARSC treasurer, Chetan Pradhan, EARSC Chairman and Geoff Sawyer, Secretary General, at EARSC AGM 2016

The AGM appointed Chetan Pradhan as Chairman of the association and Giovanni Sylos Labini as Vice-Chairman. André Jadot (Eurosense) and Massimo Comparini (e-geos) have been elected as new members of the Board.

Actual Board

Position Name Company
Chairman Chetan Pradhan CGI
Vice-Chairman Giovanni Sylos Labini Planetek
Treasurer Celestino Gomez GMV
Director Han Wensink OceanSpaceConsult
Director Christian Hoffmann Geoville Group
Director Nöel Parmentier Rhea Group
Director Massimiliano Vitale Planet Germany
Director Kamen Iliev TAKT IKI OOD
Director Vark Helfritz Airbus Defense and Space
Director Markus Probeck GAF AG
Director Andre Jadot Eurosense Belgium
Director Massimo Comparini e-geos

Paris, Washington D.C., Montreal, Yokohama, July 7, 2016 – According to Euroconsult’s latest report, Prospects for the Small Satellite Market, we are on the cusp of a major revolution for the space sector and overall space ecosystem, as more than 3,600 smallsats are expected to be launched over the next ten years, a significant increase from the previous decade. The total market value of these satellites is anticipated to be $22 billion (manufacture and launch), a 76% increase over that of 2006-2015. This rate of growth is unprecedented for the space sector and will bring about fundamental changes as both new and established industry players attempt to increase their capabilities in order to gain market share.


3,600 smallsats expected to be launched through 2025

“Earth observation is expected to exhibit the strongest growth in terms of units launched; over 2,100 satellites are anticipated from 2016 to 2025. Four companies plan to launch more than 1,400 satellites during this period alone: Planet, Spire Global, BlackSky and Satellogic,” said Adam Keith, Managing Director of Euroconsult Canada and editor of the report. “Satellite communication smallsats will also increase significantly to nearly 800 during the same period of time (discounting SpaceX’s STEAM constellation). There are six constellations foreseen, however OneWeb makes up the bulk of these units.”

Including all third-party and in-house manufacturers, around 200 organizations built a smallsat between 2006 and 2015; the coming decade shows a similar pattern. Smallsat suppliers are entering the industry to capitalize on demand with flexible COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) equipment, bringing down costs and development times. Larger integrators focused on larger missions do not necessarily have the capacity to create these smaller, nominally lower-cost solutions at a profit or have the platforms available to support small mission development.

In the next decade, launch services are expected to generate $5.3 billion, a 76% increase over the previous decade. Small-lift vehicles in development will add further specialized supply. Prices from Firefly, Rocket Lab and Virgin Galactic are not expected to undercut existing supply prices. However, with smallsat operators impacted by the launch bottleneck and affected by delays in ridesharing and the like, despite the higher price per kg, the benefit of quicker and dedicated access to space could be attractive for operators.

About the Report
Prospects for the Small Satellite Market presents the various factors that will drive/inhibit growth in demand for small satellites over the next 10 years. The forecast was built on the basis of a qualitative and quantitative analysis conducted from two sources: A dedicated database and a combination of primary and secondary research. This report considers satellites by four mass categories, six regions, five satellite applications and five manufacturer typologies. This report contains thousands of data points and the expert interpretation and analysis found with all Euroconsult research.

About Euroconsult
Euroconsult is the leading global consulting firm specializing in space markets. As a privately-owned, fully independent firm, we provide first-class strategic consulting, develop comprehensive research and organize executive-level annual summits for the industry. With 30 years of experience, Euroconsult is trusted by 600 clients in over 50 countries. Euroconsult is headquartered in France, with offices in the U.S., Canada and Japan.

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Until July 18, 2016, the European Commission is taking applications from individuals and teams from startups, SMEs, industrial companies, research institutes and universities for its Copernicus Accelerator, which hopes to foster development of commercial space applications and products. Participants will be able to determine the focus of this coaching, such as creating a business plan, acquiring customers, raising capital, etc.


“The goal of the Copernicus Accelerator is to provide tailored support to new players who have innovative business ideas involving the use of spaceborne big data,” stated Andreas Veispak, head of the I3 unit (Space Data for Societal Challenges and Growth) at the European Commission. “We’re very excited to offer a customized business-development scheme to the 40 best applicants to this year’s Copernicus Masters competition.”

Scheduled to last six to eight months, the Copernicus Accelerator will kick off with a boot camp that will invite all participants to Madrid, Spain, from Oct. 24-26, 2016. This event will form part of the Satellite Masters conference and Awards Ceremony of the Copernicus Masters competition.

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Reminder: Ongoing call for expressions of interest to contribute with an oral presentation to the European workshop Brussels, 21-22 September 2016

As part of a series of workshops with the commercial sector, the European Commission (DG RTD in collaboration with DG GROW, DG CNECT and DG JRC) will hold a 2-day workshop entitled EU Research and Innovation in Support of the Earth Observation Market on 21-22 September 2016 in Brussels

This workshop will take place in the context of the rapid deployment of the Copernicus Programme and recent developments within the Group on Earth Observations (GEO), in particular the renewing of the initiative for a further decade (2016-2025), during which a stronger collaboration with the commercial sector will be sought. It is also an integral part of the stakeholder consultation process in view of the preparation of Horizon 2020 research and innovation Calls in the period 2018-2020.

The particular aims of the workshop will be to:
· Review EO market trends and evolution;
· Explore research and innovation areas of critical importance for the development of future EO markets in Europe;
· Take stock of research and innovation success stories in support of EO services and products development (B2C, B2G, B2B);
· Exchange best practices across the EU on EO alliances, forum and other public private partnerships with the Commercial sector;
· Review possible options for optimal engagement of the Commercial sector in the GEO initiative and the EU Copernicus programme.

The participation at the workshop of commercial actors, research organisations, and users interested in accessing and developing geospatial / Earth observation services and products is particularly welcome.

Online registration to the workshop is available from https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/InnovationEarthObservationMarket

Deadline for expressions of interest to contribute with an oral presentation: 20 July 2016

Deadline for attendees’ registration (no oral presentation): 07 September 2016

Join Airbus Group, DLR, EARSC, ESA, Geospatial Media & Communications, T-Systems International GmbH and many European SME’s who have already announced their participation!

Best regards,
On behalf of the workshop organising team

Twenty First Century Aerospace Technology Co. Ltd (21AT) is the first commercial Earth Observation satellite operator in China and is celebrating the Anniversary of the launch of the TripleSat Constellation (named as Beijing-II in China)

The constellation, comprising three State-Of-Art low cost optical small satellites developed in cooperation with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in the UK, is capable of providing very high resolution panchromatic and multispectral images, with a 24km swath width.

Launched on 10th July 2015, the TripleSat-1, 2 and 3 satellites were injected into the same 651km orbit. All three satellites have been moved to their designated orbital positions, 33 minutes behind each other and will be maintained at the configuration over the lifetime of the TripleSat Constellation, which makes it possible to target anywhere on the Earth once per day.

The high Signal to Noise ratio is enabling the satellites to produce excellent very high-resolution images.

For commercial operations, 21AT (Asia) in Singapore and a global distribution network have been established to support streamlined access to the worldwide market. Two ground stations have been installed in Beijing and Singapore to increase the data capacity and for international data distribution. 21AT has opened its online Portal access that provides archive images search and new tasking orders tools for distributors and customers.

Since the start of operations in October 2015 to the end of June 2016, the TripleSat Constellation has acquired more than 120,000 scenes worldwide.

To celebrate the anniversary of the successful launch of the TripleSat Constellation, 21AT has published a beautiful image atlas and will hold a reception at the exhibition stand during the ISPRS conference in the Czech Republic. Additionally, from now to the end of August 2016, 21AT is offering “Imaging your AOI within 3 days” at the Standard Tasking price whereby 21AT shall make the tasking within three days after the customer has made the order confirmation.

About 21AT

Twenty First Century Aerospace Technology Co., Ltd. is the first Earth Observation commercial satellite operator in China. With headquarters in Beijing, 21AT employs more than 400 people and has been providing remote sensing applications in China since the launch of its first satellite, Beijing-1, in 2005. Beijing-1 was one of five satellites in the Disaster Monitoring Constellation (DMC) providing disaster response through the International Charter. Based on the success of Beijing-1, 21AT has acquired the new capability of three very high-resolution State-Of-Art low cost satellites in a constellation for imagery data services. 21AT will provide in-depth application support from its comprehensive value added services and create business opportunities for worldwide partners through its operational monitoring services powered by the TripleSat Constellation. 21AT (Asia) in Singapore has been established to support streamlined access to the worldwide market.

About SSTL

Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) is the world’s leading small satellite company, delivering operational space missions for a range of applications including Earth observation, science and communications. The Company designs, manufactures and operates high performance satellites and ground systems for a fraction of the price normally associated with space missions, with over 500 staff working on turnkey satellite platforms, space-proven satellite subsystems and optical instruments.

Since 1981, SSTL has built and launched 47 satellites – as well as providing training and development programmes, consultancy services, and mission studies for ESA, NASA , international governments and commercial customers, with an innovative approach that is changing the economics of space. Headquartered in Guildford, UK, SSTL is part of the Airbus Group.

www.sstl.co.uk

Press Contact:
Wang Yuan
Tel: 0086-10-62929966-8094
Mob: 0086-15210513877
Email: wangyuan@21at.sg
Website: www.21at.com.cn

ESA in cooperation with EARSC held this Industry Consultation workshop. Conclusions will actively take part in shaping the 5th ESA Earth Observation Envelope Program, planned to start early 2017.

The EO satellite sector is evolving rapidly, both in terms of data availability and new commercial initiatives. Copernicus, the world’s first operational multi-platform EO programme is becoming a reality with four Sentinel satellites already in orbit. New and innovative satellite operators are entering the market especially in the US, new data sources are emerging – including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and crowd or citizen sources using mobile technologies. Large IT companies such as Google and Amazon are seeking to establish global, geospatial initiatives (eg. Terra Bella).

Europe has an active and vibrant EO services sector, with over 500 companies spread through the Member States making over €900m revenues and generating nearly 7000 highly skilled jobs in 2014. Most of these companies are very small, but represent a highly skilled industry providing leading-edge EO-based products & services. The challenge will be to nourish these capabilities and ensure competitiveness and growth in the European and global market-place over the years to come.

In the Earth Observation Envelope Program (EOEP5) proposal to the 2016 ESA ministerial meeting, ESA is introducing elements aimed at addressing these challenges for the period 2017-2021, and will present the plans for discussion. ‘EO-Innovation Europe’ will address key enabling technologies such as application platforms, while other elements will focus on expanding use of EO and uptake within key demand sectors. A first consultation meeting between ESA and EARSC was held in September 2015 focusing on the exchange of ideas for the creation of a new environment for EO data exploitation and innovation in Europe, in line with the new ground segment evolution strategy. These discussions have continued and the latest status will be reviewed,

The objectives of this Industry Consultation were to discuss the following issues :

  • ESA’s current plans and proposals for activities under EOEP5
  • Which user sectors (public and private) offer the greatest opportunity to expand and grow demand for what types of EO-based information?
  • Develop a common understanding with respect to key enabling technologies required to support the European EO service sector
  • What support actions are required from ESA for Industry to fully realize these opportunities (short-term, mid-term)?

Summary of discussions

Here follows a summary of the discussion that took place in the afternoon session, which was mainly focused on EO based services and user uptake

  • The importance of end user involvement. It was considered important that ESA play a role in federating user communities in order to support companies and organizations trying to develop a sustainable business based upon EO platforms. ESA has the potential to leverage EO towards large public and private user organizations way beyond the individual capabilities of SMEs, and this should be continues in EOEP5. Having the user pull will also be important for consolidating the requirements on which the EO platforms will be developed.
  • Importance of commercial data for operational services: Even thought the amount of freely available EO data is increasing rapidly (especially because of the Sentinels) and is made available via platforms such as GEE and Amazon Web services it was emphasized that many EO based services also require data from commercial satellites in order to meet user requirements, and these data are not available via these platforms.
  • Sentinel data availability via the Sci-hub: Several participants explained that the Sentinel data can be downloaded from the ESA data hub if done in the right way, i.e. using scripts that automate the download interface procedure. These scripts are now available on the web and in theory could be used by anyone.
  • ESA funding mechanisms: Different types of funding mechanisms could be suitable for differ phases of a product development cycle. I.e. early phase exploratory prototype developments will need to smaller, faster procurements, while EO service developments involving end users will require larger and longer terms funding mechanisms.
  • Boot camps and innovation labs: It was emphasized that suitable boot camps initiatives exist and that inventing new ones could be counterproductive. One should instead try to build upon those that exist and take benefit from existing infrastructure, communities and capabilities.
  • Industry role in science: Industry expressed the wish to be even more present in ESA EOEP5 science focused elements, in order to ensure that industry can better take advantage of cutting edge development that would otherwise remain within the science community of universities and institutions.

Conclusions

Some lessons learned from the meeting:

  • The large number of attendees shows the interest to have such a meeting on a regular basis. Feedback afterwards suggested more interaction would have been welcomed.
  • This meeting followed the first one of this type held with ESA ground segment in September 2015.
  • Despite leaving time on the agenda, in the end there was not enough time to discuss as much as would have been liked. Feedback came from some participants that they would have liked more exchange. This was certainly inhibited by being in the large hall which is not a good setting for discussion.
  • Some questions were developed during the meeting and feedback was requested by ESA afterwards. A short survey for attendees to complete would have sharpened up some of the impressions of the meeting.
  • An annual, open meeting has been foreseen with ESA. This first event with all the ESA-ESRIN partners showed the desire to have such an opportunity to really exchange more than an information day. Whilst this event fell at the time to consult on EOEP5, future meetings can take other topics as a framework for discussion. At the heart, should always be an exchange on the current issues concerning ESA and industry.

Presentations