Earth Observations Systems for Small National and Regional Programs
- Paper number
IAC-06-B1.2.03
- Author
Dr. Ray A. Williamson, Space Policy Institute, George Washington University, United States
- Year
2006
- Abstract
Numerous countries, including some developing countries with small gross national products, are using Earth observations (EO) and satellite communications to start up a national space effort. Developed countries with larger economies and a relatively limited space effort are focusing on these two important applications to assist in strengthening industrial capacity in space and improving their citizens’ quality of life. This paper reports on the results of an International Space University Team Project study focused on developing innovative methodologies for meeting the needs of small countries or regions for environmental and resource information gathered from space. The project used ISU’s international, interdisciplinary, intercultural (3Is) approach. It employed two case studies, one focused on Spain, which has a particular interest in building a new, operational Earth observations satellite system, and the other, the Alsace region of France, which could benefit from the acquisition of data acquired from space specifically targeted to its needs for continued sustainable development. More generally, this project developed a series of steps needed to assess the needs of a country or region for indigenous sources of Earth observation information and designed an appropriate, affordable system for to provide sustained Earth observations information. Recent developments in spacecraft design and construction have shown that small, relatively inexpensive satellites can provide Earth observations data of sufficient quality to support many data needs on Earth. Such systems could be especially attractive to regions and to countries with modest economies. This multidisciplinary team study: 1. provides a preliminary small satellite design of the best technical solution(s) (optical vs. SAR; orbit, spectral bands, sensor resolution, etc.) with limited resources (mass, size, power, cost) for the case study countries Spain and Alsace ; 2. Showcases a low-cost data collection, distribution, and archiving system; 3. Analyzes how these satellite data could be integrated with data collected from in-situ and aircraft systems to provide effective information products; It also: 4. Presents a business case for building an indigenous satellite system; 5. Examines and analyzes the policy and legal issues involved with developing and operating such a system; and 6. Analyses the advantages and drawbacks of possible collaboration with third parties in other countries and propose collaborative options.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-B1.2.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.