Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) has completed its August 2008-July 2009 detailed survey of deforestation by shallow cut throughout the Amazon region (INPE announcement). Its PRODES (Monitoring of the Brazilian Forest by Satellite) programme analyzed 400 images from Landsat, CBERS and the DMC Satellite Constellation to confirm that deforestation during the period was 7464 square kilometers, a reduction of 42% in comparison to 2007-2008. This is the lowest annual deforestation rate since INPE started systematic monitoring of the Amazon forest by satellite in 1988.

DMCii has worked with INPE to provide annual imaging of the whole Amazon Basin since 2005 to support this activity. By using multiple satellites, each capable of imaging a 650km wide swath of the forest canopy, DMCii is able to provide multi-spectral images of the entire area in 4-6 weeks. This provided INPE with valuable and timely information to help identify the extent of deforestation.

A significant decline in deforestation in the Amazon Basin has been observed since 2004. This is due in part to INPE’s new earth DETER system that detects deforestation in real time by fortnightly satellite imaging. This allows the supervisory board to take effective and prompt actions to combat illegal logging as it happens, rather than having to wait until after the damage is done.

Satellite capabilities play a crucial role in providing impartial information about deforestation in these large, inaccessible areas. The development of satellite constellations, pioneered by the DMC satellite constellation, has led to improved temporal and spatial resolution, enabling operational monitoring to support active and timely response to deforestation.

INPE announcement: www.inpe.br/ingles/news/news_dest117.php

Development of a new instrument that could use satellite navigation signals to determine sea-surface roughness, ice characteristics, or soil moisture content has received a boost from the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI). The SSTL-led team will continue the development in a CEOI funded project. The CEOI is an initiative to develop the next generation of Earth observation instruments, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and Technology Strategy Board (TSB).

The new project will continue the development of the instrument that exploits signals from the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) satellites that are reflected from land, ice and ocean.

Continue reading "SSTL leads GNSS reflectometry prototype"

Flight proven satellite platforms from Surrey Satellite Technology US LLC (SST-US) have been selected by NASA's Rapid Spacecraft Development Office (RSDO) for inclusion in the third NASA Rapid Spacecraft Acquisition Catalog (Rapid III).

SST-US’ Chief Executive Officer, Dr. John Paffett stated

It is a privilege for SST-US to have been selected by NASA for inclusion in the Catalog. It is recognition of the company’s capabilities, expertise and heritage. We believe that the Catalog provides an efficient route for SST-US to provide rapid, low risk, cost effective satellite solutions to NASA and other Government Agencies and we look forward to delivering future mission opportunities.

Through this contractual framework SST-US will be able to engage with NASA and other Government Agencies for the rapid provision of low risk, cost effective satellite solutions based on the SSTL 150, 300 and 600 platforms.

Continue reading "SST-US platforms get NASA seal of approval"

SSTL’s military space expert Dr. Stuart Eves has accepted a year’s secondment to the new Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) at the UK’s new Harwell facility to advise on space security. His principal responsibility will be as the authority on the Security and Resilience Unit (SRU) that will form part of the International Space Innovation Centre (ISIC).

Enough with the acronyms! ISIC is a joint venture between the UK Government and Industry, that is anticipated to evolve into a centre which supports both UK national requirements as well as international security-related space systems. The idea is to create a Hub of Innovation that will act as a seed-bed for innovation in the UK.

Stuart will also be expected to actively liaise with the newly formed UK Space Agency on space security matters in support of government policy making, since a close relationship between the policy and strategy aims of the agency and the executive elements at ISIC will clearly be essential.

Continue reading "Space security guru Stuart to advise government"