// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM

Remote Sensing

Gathering information about Earth's surface or atmosphere from a distance, typically using satellites or aircraft, without physical contact.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION

Remote Sensing is the acquisition of information about an object or phenomenon without making physical contact, primarily using satellite-borne or airborne sensors (e.g., optical, radar, lidar) to collect data on Earth's surface, atmosphere, and oceans for applications like environmental monitoring, urban planning, and defense.

BACKGROUND

The history of space in Africa is the history of space activity by or sent from Africa.

READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIA

SYNONYMS & ALIASES

  • Earth observation
  • Geospatial intelligence
  • Satellite imagery
  • EO

USAGE NOTE

Remote sensing data is vital for climate change monitoring and agricultural management.

DEVELOPERS

Organizations developing technology related to Remote Sensing.

  • Planet Labs PBC

    Operates the largest constellation of Earth-imaging satellites, providing daily, global satellite imagery and geospatial analytics services. Their fleet includes Doves, SuperDoves, and SkySats.

  • Maxar Technologies

    A space technology company specializing in Earth intelligence and space infrastructure. They operate a constellation of high-resolution optical imaging satellites, such as the WorldView series, providing critical data for government and commercial clients.

  • Capella Space

    Develops and operates a constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites. Their technology allows for high-resolution Earth observation through clouds, at night, and in any weather conditions.

  • Airbus Defence and Space

    A division of Airbus that provides a wide range of Earth observation products and services from its proprietary constellations of optical (Pléiades, SPOT) and radar (TerraSAR-X) satellites.

  • ICEYE

    Operates the world's largest constellation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, providing persistent monitoring capabilities for applications like disaster management, maritime security, and insurance.

  • BlackSky

    Provides real-time geospatial intelligence by combining high-frequency satellite imagery with AI-powered analytics. Their small satellite constellation is designed for rapid revisit rates over critical locations.

  • NASA Earth Science Division

    A division of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration that develops and operates numerous Earth observation missions and instruments (e.g., Landsat program, MODIS, GRACE) to study the planet's interconnected systems.

  • European Space Agency (ESA)

    Manages the Copernicus Programme, Europe's flagship Earth observation program. It operates a family of 'Sentinel' satellites that provide vast amounts of free and open data for environmental monitoring and public safety.

  • L3Harris Technologies

    A global aerospace and defense technology company that designs, builds, and operates advanced remote sensing systems and payloads for space, airborne, and ground applications for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

RELATED TERMS IN SPACE ECONOMY