United Nations Coordination of Outer Space Activities
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Remote sensing satellites
Coverage Most remote sensing satellites cover the whole globe, making them important for the study of large-scale phenomena like ocean circulation, climate and global deforestation, as well as for remote areas. Repetitiveness Satellites view the same area over long periods of time. This makes it possible to monitor environmental change, including the impacts of humans and natural processes, and simulate how trends we have observed in the past (like deforestation) will continue in the future.
Low cost Satellites can be used for a large number of activities during their lifetime. In the long run, the cost of launching and operating a satellite is offset by the services it provides. Consistency All the data collected by a particular sensor on a particular satellite is collected the same way, meaning it is consistent. This makes it easier, for instance, to detect subtle changes in land use over an area after a period of years.
Just like any other kind of telecommunications, communications satellites are used to transmit information from one point to another. But, as opposed to ground-based communications, people sending or receiving information through satellites do not have to be connected to a ground network. Communications satellites can reach people in remote villages, ships on the high seas, and areas where infrastructure on the ground has been damaged by an earthquake. They can also help improve education, health care, and the standard of living and have special potential for the poorest and most devastated areas. Together with ground-based networks, they provide access to the World Wide Web. The Internet is making it much easier to find and spread information. A lot of the information you access over the Internet has been relayed by a telecommunications satellite. Satellite telecommunications have potential as a source of information for rural and remote areas, and may help countries to "leapfrog" stages in development. They can contribute to sustainable development either by giving people access to information and helping members of the public to participate in decision-improving education health services and promoting favourable conditions for environmental protection.
Photo Credits: FAO/ EUMETSAT, PhotDisc, Administration of Nigeria |
"Remote sensing" satellites are used to monitor the land surface, the oceans and even the atmosphere, and how all of these change over time. Remote sensing satellites are now a routine and essential part of our efforts to protect the global environment. What is unique about them?
Speed Many satellites can provide data rapidly in cases of urgency. In an area hit by an earthquake, flooding or forest fires, there may not be time to assess the damage through ground or even aerial surveys.
Communications satellites