Skip to content

The twin Sentinel-1 satellites have—for the first time—combined to show their capability for revealing even small deformations in Earth’s surface.

Following its orbital maneuvers, the recently launched Sentinel-1B satellite reached its designated orbit position on June 15th. The satellite is now orbiting Earth 180 degrees apart from its twin, Sentinel-1A, at an altitude of almost 700 km. With both satellites finally in the same orbit, together they can cover the entire globe every six days.

Sentinel-1B’s first data strip stretches 600 km from 80°N degrees through the Barents Sea. The image, which shows the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago on the left, was captured on 28 April 2016 at 05:37 GMT (07:37 CEST) – just two hours after the satellite’s radar was switched on.

The two-satellite ‘radar vision’ mission for Europe’s Copernicus program carries an advanced radar to provide an all-weather, day-and-night supply of imagery of Earth’s surface. It has now been demonstrated that future images acquired by the pair can be merged to detect slight changes occurring between scans. This technique is particularly useful for generating accurate maps of surface deformation over wide areas, such as those caused by tectonic processes, volcanic activities or landslides and is also an ideal tool for monitoring glacier flow and changes in Arctic and Antarctic ice shelves.

Sentinel-1’s first such paired ‘interferogram’ combined a Sentinel-1A scan over southern Romania on June 9th with a Sentinel-1B acquisition over the same area just one day before reaching its target orbit position. Another interferogram over northwest Romania was produced shortly after Sentinel-1B reached final orbit. The rainbow-colored patterns are related to topography and they demonstrate that the two satellites’ identical radars are accurately synchronized, pointing in the same direction and that the satellites are in their correct orbits.

This ‘interferogram’ combines a Sentinel-1A radar scan from June 9, 2016, over southern Romania with a Sentinel-1B acquisition from 15 June over the same area – shortly before Sentinel-1B reached its designated orbit. Bucharest is near the lower right corner of the image. The color pattern is related to local terrain topography.

Once commissioning is completed in mid-September, the pair will be ready to deliver data for the systematic and routine monitoring of Earth surface deformation and ice dynamics.

“After the great success of generating the first radar image less than three days after liftoff, I am very happy to report another outstanding success as it is the generation of the first interferograms with Sentinel-1B on the same day that we reached the orbital position, 180 degrees apart from Sentinel-1A,” said ESA’s Sentinel-1 project manager, Ramón Torres. “It is of paramount importance to the mission that we have demonstrated, at the first try, that the two Sentinel-1 satellites work very well together.”

www.esa.int

The agreement was signed in the presence of Christophe Vassal, chairman of the Collecte Localisation Satellites (CLS) Board, the operator of ARGOS and a subsidiary formed by CNES and the French Ifremer institute in 1986, which – like EUMETSAT – is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.


EUMETSAT’s Director-General, Alain Ratier, and Jean-Yves Le Gall, President of CNES, signed a cooperation agreement on the ARGOS Data Collection System to be included in the payload of the Metop-SG satellites of the EUMETSAT Polar System of Second Generat

ARGOS receivers provided by CNES are already flying on board the current generation of EUMETSAT’s Metop satellites where they collect in situ observations of the three-dimensional ocean, acquired by buoys, profiling floats and other automated devices.

The new agreement will ensure the continuation of these vital data into the 2022-2040 timeframe.

“This synergy makes our cooperation with CNES all the more valuable”

Under the new agreement, EUMETSAT will host the ARGOS DCS instrument developed by CNES on its Metop Second Generation satellites.

EUMETSAT, via its EPS-SG ground segment, will also ensure that all information gathered from the Data Collection Platforms is transmitted to the Argos Data Processing and Distribution Centre for dissemination to the user community.

The EUMETSAT Director-General, Alain Ratier said: “The ARGOS system ensures the collection of most ocean observations gathered by buoys or drifters, thereby contributing to the forecasts of the ocean-atmosphere coupled system together with the observations provided by EUMETSAT’s satellites and the Jason altimetry missions, also shared with CNES. This synergy makes our cooperation with CNES all the more valuable.”

CNES is very proud to have signed this new agreement with EUMETSAT today”

CNES president, Jean-Yves Le Gall, said: “CNES is very proud to have signed this new agreement with EUMETSAT today. The Argos system and its user community are in the best shape ever and the number of applications is growing all the time.

By supporting oceanography and wildlife tracking applications, Argos is proving a key tool in predicting climate change and gauging its effects.”

Christophe Vassal, chairman of the CLS Board commented, “Argos is a pioneer satellite-based system which has been operating since 1978. It helps the scientific community to better monitor and understand our environment, but also enables industry to comply with environmental protection regulations implemented by various governments.

This system has revolutionized the way to study the ocean, protect the biodiversity and study our planet. We are really pleased that EUMETSAT ensure the future of this marvellous tool.”

Source

[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.

Source

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

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

Two other NEREUS Regions (Basilicata and Wallonia) are also among the finalists

Smart specialization marked an important threshold in Lombardy Region’s approach to industrial policy, including aerospace. The Region has been testing new ways of supporting specific sectorial areas, such as the use of space technologies to transform traditional and mature industries into emerging ones. This change of pace has been recognized at European level: after being included in the Committee of the Region’s Guide on Regional Innovation Ecosystems, Lombardy Region has been selected as finalist of the 2016 RegioStars Award, the yearly competition honoring Europe’s most inspiring and innovating regional projects supported by EU Cohesion Policy Funds.

Lombardy Region’s Open Innovation Platform is one of the 23 finalists of the RegioStars Award. Selected among 104 projects, this collaborative tool brings together a large representation of regional innovation stakeholders: public and private economic players, universities and research institutes use this digital and physical space for dialogue to promptly respond to strategic challenges in 8 fields, inclduing aerospace.

Two other NEREUS Regions have also been selected as finalists: Basilicata (with a project on food, furtniture and fashion regional clusters) and Wallonia (with its Urban Redistirbution Centre)

Winners will be announced on Tuesday 11 October in Brussels, during the RegioStars Award
Ceremony which will take place during the European Week of Regions and Cities
We wish the best of luck to the three selected NEREUS Regions!

On July 5th, SI Imaging Services (SIIS) initiated commercial services of KOMPSAT-3A imagery — the satellite is part of the Korean Multipurpose Satellite Program developed and operated by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) for Earth Observation (EO) purpose.

This EO satellite offers clear imagery with a resolution of less than 0.5 meter. KOMPSAT-3A, also known as Arirang-3A, was launched into orbit in March of last year. After more than a year of successful test operation, SIIS started the commercial services, which makes South Korea the world’s second country to enter the less-than-0.5-meter-resolution satellite imagery market after the United States.

KOMPSAT-3A is the sister of KOMPSAT-3, using the same satellite bus and payload. The satellite’s local access time is unique in the afternoon, 13:30 (1:30 p.m.), which is identical with KOMPSAT-3. However, as KOMPSAT-3A was put into lower orbit than KOMPSAT-3, a clearer and sharper view is obtained. This same imaging time and a similar payload with KOMPSAT-3 will amplify the satellite’s capacity and help to even out the difference of the color. With KOMPSAT-3A imagery available today, there are now new and more options to consider for their needs.

SIIS is the exclusive worldwide marketing and sales representative of the KOMPSAT constellation which includes KOMPSAT-2, KOMPSAT-3, KOMPSAT-3A, and KOMPSAT-5 and provides this satellite imagery worldwide through more than 80 sales partners.

Korean Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) is the Korean institute dedicated to aerospace research and is in charge of the Korean space program. KARI has developed and operated their optical remote sensing satellites.

Source

Renewable energy has introduced itself today into the arena of alternative energy sources. It is important to have a very good knowledge of local solar resources. Though this local resource is available its access is difficult and limited.

The centre O.I.E. (Observation, Impacts, Energy) of MINES ParisTech/ARMINES seized this question and developed a platform allowing the exchange of in-situ measurements for the actors of the photovoltaic domain.

This video support the development of the and the outcome of the ConnectinGEO Task 5.2 « Industry Energy Challenge”