Fundamentals of Earth Observation Policy: Examples for German and European Missions

Several European countries have developed their national high resolution earth observation systems. Some of them are operated in close cooperation with industrial partners, others are dual-use missions earmarked to fulfil the needs of national security. In addition, the European Space Agency and the European Commission have initiated the Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) project. Therein, a fleet of satellites (SENTINELs) will deliver data for European wide information services, augmented by data from national and non-European earth observation systems. This new scenario needs clear guidance and regulations. Besides the principles for operations of earth observation missions – as set out in UN principles on earth observation – the operators of very high resolution missions require clear governmental acts which international users can be served and which data might be restricted in distribution. For national science and the SENTINEL-missions, a policy for free and open access is being developed to guarantee a maximum use of the data. Exemplified on the German national missions and the European GMES scenario, data policies and regulations for existing and new earth observation missions will be explained

Observation of the Earth by radar

Techniques and applications of radar observation from Earth satellites are discussed. Images processing and analysis of these images are discussed. Also discussed is radar imaging from aircraft. Uses of this data include ocean wave analysis, surface water evaluation, and topographic analysis

Technology needs of advanced Earth observation spacecraft

Remote sensing missions were synthesized which could contribute significantly to the understanding of global environmental parameters. Instruments capable of sensing important land and sea parameters are combined with a large antenna designed to passively quantify surface emitted radiation at several wavelengths. A conceptual design for this large deployable antenna was developed. All subsystems required to make the antenna an autonomous spacecraft were conceptually designed. The entire package, including necessary orbit transfer propulsion, is folded to package within the Space Transportation System (STS) cargo bay. After separation, the antenna, its integral feed mast, radiometer receivers, power system, and other instruments are automatically deployed and transferred to the operational orbit. The design resulted in an antenna with a major antenna dimension of 120 meters, weighing 7650 kilograms, and operating at an altitude of 700 kilometers

London Earth : presentation and assessment of field observation data

The London Earth field survey followed a systematic sampling approach to collect a representative suite of soil samples from across London from a variety of land uses, in order to ensure a robust, unbiased dataset which will represent the baseline geochemistry of the city’s environment. Soil geochemical baseline data can be used to investigate soil quality and geochemical processes in the urban environment, as well as determining where the levels of certain chemical elements are potentially hazardous to humans as well as the natural environment (Johnson and Ander, 2008). In addition to the collection of samples, important accompanying information including observations about the soil colour and composition, and land use details for each sampling site were recorded. This data is an important aspect of the survey as it allows us to assess the site and supports interpretation of the geochemical results. The combination of the geochemical survey data and related field observations provides a comprehensive data resource which will provide valuable information to land use planning and development applications such as urban regeneration as well as provide opportunity for science in the interest of national good. The aim of this report is to present and assess the observational data in order to: i. show the spatial distribution of certain properties of the data set, such as the land use types that were recorded for each sample; ii. to discuss their relative proportions; and, iii. to explain, where possible, any trends or patterns that can be seen in the data. This will be done primarily by presenting maps and graphs of the data and by some discussion of the information they contain. This is intended to provide a useful resource to support the ongoing interpretation of the geochemical data

Institute for Global Environmental Strategies

The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) is concerned with Earth science-related education, communication and outreach, and coordinating international Earth observation policy. IGES not only develops and implements educational programs for teachers and students, but also works closely with industry leaders, senior-level government representatives and decision makers throughout the world in the area of Earth observation. They have developed a group of learning activities entitled The Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change, which are available on the Web for use in the classroom. Educational levels: Intermediate elementary, Middle school

ISY Mission to Planet Earth Conference: A planning meeting for the International Space Year

A major theme was the opportunity offered by the International Space Year (ISY) to initiate a long-term program of Earth observation mission coordination and worldwide data standardization. The challenge is immense and extremely time critical. A recommendation was made to inventory the capabilities of Earth observing spacecraft scheduled during the next decade. The ISY effort to strengthen coordination and standardization should emphasize global issues, and also regional initiatives of particular relevance to developing nations. The concepts of a Global Information System Test (GIST) was accepted and applied to specific issues of immediate concern. The importance of ISY Earth observation initiatives extending beyond research to include immediate and direct applications for social and economic development was stressed. Several specific Mission to Planet Earth proposals were developed during the Conference. A mechanism was set up for coordinating participation of the national space agencies or equivalent bodies

On the development of earth observation satellite systems

Subsequent to the launching of the first LANDSAT by NASA, Japan has recognized the importance of data from earth observation satellites, has conducted studies, and is preparing to develop an independent system. The first ocean observation satellite will be launched in 1983, the second in 1985. The first land observation satellite is scheduled to be launched in 1987 and by 1990 Japan intends to have both land and ocean observation systems in regular operation. The association reception and data processing systems are being developed