Astrium has been selected by the European Space Agency as prime contractor for the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite, a low-cost mission to monitor atmospheric chemistry.
NASA Readies Drone for Atmospheric Mission
NASA scientists are preparing to use the agency's Global Hawk drone to study the humidity and chemical composition of air entering the tropical tropopause layer of the atmosphere.
Hovering on a Layered Horizon
When observed from space, the layers of Earth's atmosphere remind us of the fragility of the cocoon that shelters life on our planet. Astronauts aboard the International Space Station captured a bit of both in this digital photograph acquired July 31, 2011, with the moon thrown in as an extra gift.
United Kingdom Invests in Radar Earth Observation Satellites
Once its NovaSAR constellation is operational, the U.K. government believes the Surrey Satellite Technology-built fleet could yield a 5,000 percent return on investment during the coming decade.
Satellites Show Texas Groundwater Severely Depleted
The record-breaking Texas drought that has fueled wildfires, decimated crops and forced the sale of cattle herds also has reduced the state's groundwater to its lowest levels in more than 63 years.
Satellite Image Reveals Iran Blast Devastation
A DigitalGlobe image reveals that a deadly explosion at an Iran military base on Nov. 12 appears to have been far more devastating than suggested by Iranian authorities.
High Oil Prices Drive Canadian Expansion
Canada's oil sands contain the world's second-biggest oil resource after Saudi Arabia. These Landsat 5 images illustrate mining expansion, as the area becomes a more profitable endeavor.
Small French Navy Ship Optimized for UAVs
While some large navies are still thinking of employing unmanned aerial vehicles on smaller craft, Austria’s Schiebel already is doing it with its Camcopter S-100.
Successful Chinese Launch Sets Record
Following its best-ever 16th successful launch this year, a Nigerian communications satellite and an Earth imaging satellite are next up on China’s launch manifest.
Intriguing Images of 2011
 Earth imagery is elevating our understanding of today’s interconnected world by providing unparalleled insights and transparency. The images on the following pages highlight just a few of the many ways remote sensing helped chronicle some of 2011’s noteworthy...
