With approximately 90 percent of world trade carried by ships, ensuring a vessel follows the fastest route has obvious economic benefits. By merging measurements from different satellites, the European Space Agency (ESA) is providing key information on ocean currents to make shipping more efficient and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
NASA's CYGNSS Constellation Enters Science Operations Phase
NASA's Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS), a constellation of eight microsatellites that will take detailed measurement of wind speeds inside hurricanes, successfully completed the development and on-orbit commissioning phases of its mission and moved into the science operations phase.
Satellite Data Reveal Effects of Aerosols
Earth's atmosphere is dusted with tiny particles known as aerosols, which include windblown ash, sea salt, pollution, and other natural and human-produced materials. Aerosols can absorb or scatter sunlight, affecting how much light reflects back into space or stays trapped in the atmosphere.
˜Brain' of Space Launch System RS-25 Engine Passes Critical Test
An RS-25 rocket engine with a new flight-model engine controller and flight configuration software was successfully tested for the first time at NASA's Stennis Space Center on March 23, 2017.
Satellites Deliver Insight into African Lakes
Getech developed a new satellite-based gravity data product that enhances explorationists' understanding of the East African Rift. Potential fields data have proved particularly successfully within this environment, and numerous oil companies have cited how such information had direct positive impacts on exploration campaigns.
No Obstacles for Airports Using Satellites
Thanks to the European Space Agency (ESA), airports now can use satellites to identify and manage obstacles that could pose a risk to flight safety.
MDA to Acquire DigitalGlobe
MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates (MDA) announced on Feb. 24, 2017, that it will acquire commercial remote-sensing company DigitalGlobe for $2.4 billion, the biggest deal to date in the ongoing consolidation in the Earth-imaging market.
Drones, 3D Modeling and Printing Technologies Combine to Map France's Abbey of Chateliers and Church of Ars-en-Ré
Exploring ways to expand and better their services, participants in a multi-technology project showcased what can be achieved by combining aerial photography, photogrammetry-based 3D modeling and 3D printing.
NASA Makes EPIC Update to Daily Earth Pics
NASA upgraded its Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) imagery website that provides daily views of Earth from 1 million miles away, now allowing the public to choose natural or enhanced color images of Earth as well as zoom into an area on the globe.
Space Station Astronaut Photographs Full Length of Lake Powell
A panorama photograph taken by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station shows nearly the full length of Lake Powell, the reservoir on the Colorado River in southern Utah and northern Arizona.