The critical task of closely monitoring the saltiness of Earth's oceans is being facilitated from space by the European Space Agency's SMOS and NASA's Aquarius missions, but in slightly different ways.
NASA Satellite Chronicles New Zealand Drought
New Zealand farmers rejoiced in mid-April 2013 when rains broke one of the worst droughts in decades. Images from NASA's Terra satellite compare drought conditions with a healthy landscape.
Hopes Dim for Reviving Radarsat-1
The Canadian Space Agency announced two weeks ago that Radarsat-1, Canada's first and oldest Earth observation satellite, experienced a technical anomaly. It's unlikely the satellite will recover.
White House Reveals Earth Observation Vision
President Obama's National Science and Technology Council released a framework for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the nation's Earth observation enterprise.
Police Ready Surveillance Drones for G8 Summit
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is adding drone surveillance to its security measures ahead of the G8 Summit near Enniskillen, scheduled for June 17 and 18, 2013.
NASA Launches Smartphone Satellites
On April 21, 2013, three smartphones destined to become low-cost satellites rode to space aboard an Antares rocket from NASA’s Wallops Island Flight Facility in Virginia.
LDCM: Returning to the Launch Site
Most of the Earth science satellites developed or operated by NASA during the last few decades, including the new Landsat Data Continuity Mission, were launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Here's a look.
LDCM Gets an Eye Exam
You don't just launch a satellite into orbit and voilà , it takes measurements. Once in orbit, there are a series of check-out procedures to make sure it performs in space as it did in ground tests.
ESA Prepares Proba-V for Launch
The European Space Agency's Proba-V miniature Earth observation satellite is at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, where it is being prepared for an April launch atop a Vega launcher.
UASs to Monitor Potato Fields
Oregon State University researchers believe unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) could help farmers better manage resources in the field, lowering their costs while increasing yield of high-value crops.
