// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Earth Observation
Earth Observation (EO) involves using satellites to collect information about Earth's physical, chemical, and biological systems, such as weather, land use, and environmental changes.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Earth Observation (EO) is the practice of collecting and analyzing geospatial data about Earth's surface, atmosphere, and oceans using remote sensing instruments aboard satellites, providing critical insights for environmental monitoring, climate science, urban planning, and disaster management.
BACKGROUND
Outer space, or simply space, is the expanse that exists beyond Earth's atmosphere and between celestial bodies. It contains ultra-low levels of particle densities, constituting a near-perfect vacuum of predominantly hydrogen and helium plasma, permeated by electromagnetic radiation, cosmic rays, neutrinos, magnetic fields and dust. The baseline temperature of outer space, as set by the background radiation from the Big Bang, is 2.7 kelvins.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Remote Sensing (Satellite)
- Geospatial Intelligence (Space)
- Satellite Imaging
- Environmental Monitoring (Space)
USAGE NOTE
Earth observation data is increasingly used for commercial applications, from agriculture to insurance.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Earth Observation.
A leading provider of geospatial intelligence solutions, including high-resolution satellite imagery, analytics, and Earth intelligence services.
Operates the world's largest fleet of Earth observation satellites, providing daily imagery of the Earth's landmass to governments and commercial clients.
A major European player in the design, development, and operation of Earth observation satellites, including the Pléiades and SPOT constellations.
Develops and operates a constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, providing high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night imaging capabilities.
Specializes in developing and operating a commercial constellation of small SAR satellites, offering persistent monitoring and rapid revisit times for various applications.
An intergovernmental organization responsible for numerous Earth observation missions and programs, notably the Copernicus program with its Sentinel satellites.
Manages a vast portfolio of Earth science missions and research programs, using satellites to study Earth's climate, weather, oceans, and land surface.
Develops and operates a growing constellation of high-resolution Earth observation satellites, providing frequently updated imagery and geospatial data products.