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Registrations open for United Nations International Conference on Space-based Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction – A Policy Perspective
Mon May 13 2019
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) has opened registrations for the 9th Annual UN-SPIDER Conference in Beijing “United Nations International Conference on Space-based Technologies for Disaster Risk Reduction – ‘A Policy Perspective’”. The registration deadline is 15 July 2019.
The conference, which will take place 11-12 September 2019, will also celebrate 10 years of the...
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NASA web page shows Earth observation data impact on people lives
Wed May 8 2019
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently released a new website, SpaceforUS, which intends to highlight how NASA has used its Earth observation data to better the living conditions of people in all 50 states of the United States of America.
SpaceforUS includes contains a total of 56 stories that illustrate NASA’s science and the impact it has had across the country....
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2015 to 2018 warmest years on record NASA satellite data shows
Mon May 6 2019
New satellite data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) confirms that 2015 to 2018 were the four hottest years on record. The findings echo the results of recent reports by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) on NASA's Aqua satellite collected the data, which NASA and the National Oceanic...
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Second Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference to focus on role of national governance in implementation and sustainability of MHEWS
Tue Apr 30 2019
The International Network for Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (IN-MHEWS) is convening the Second Multi-Hazard Early Warning Conference (MHEWC-II) on 13 and 14 May 2019 as a pre-event to the sixth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GP2019) in Geneva. The conference aims to highlight the role of national governance in the implementation and sustainability of multi-hazard...
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France and South Africa sign founding agreement outlining future projects
Fri Apr 26 2019
The National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and the South African National Space Agency (SANSA) have signed an agreement that paths the way for future joint space projects between the two countries. The agreement was signed in the presence of France’s Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Yves Le Drian, and South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu...
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UNOOSA activates International Charter for floods and mudslides in South Africa
Fri Apr 26 2019
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, through its UN-SPIDER programme, has activated the International Charter "Space and Major Disasters" on behalf of the National Disaster Management Centre (NDC) of South Africa for the recent floods and mudslides in the country. The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) is acting as project manager for this activation.
Heavy rainfall has been affecting...
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Automated satellite survey study identifies danger glacial lakes across Tibetan Plateau
Tue Apr 23 2019
A study conducted by Swiss and Chinese scientists assesses the flood danger posed by glacial lakes across the Tibetan Plateau using an automated satellite survey.
Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) are a major concern throughout the Third Pole Environment, where thousands of glacial lakes have formed and continue to expand in response to climate warming and glacial retreat. This is particular...
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German Aerospace Center and University of Stuttgart test laser communications for the transmission of Earth observation data
Tue Apr 23 2019
Optical transmission techniques are considered to be the most effective way to transmit the significant amounts of data obtained day after day from Earth observation satellites to the ground for analysis. With a small test satellite, a corresponding data transmission via laser has now been successfully tested by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the University of Stuttgart.
Earth observation...
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Sentinel Hub launches Custom Scripts Contest
Tue Apr 23 2019
Sentinel Hub, together with the European Earth Observation programme Copernicus and the European Space Agency, are looking for new and innovative ideas and scripts for Sentinel data processing and visualization. The contest will run until 5 May 2019 and all the entries will be judged by a jury of experts on functionality and usefulness, as well as possible commercial value.
The EU Earth...
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Five years of Sentinel-1
Fri Apr 19 2019
On 3 April, the Sentinel-1A satellite completed five years of activity. Launched in 2014, the satellite works in coordination with Sentinel-1B, launched in 2016. For five years, they have delivered a wealth of data and imagery that are central to Europe’s Copernicus programme.
By offering a set of key information services for a broad range of applications, this global monitoring programme makes a...
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SERVIR releases handbook on using SAR methodologies for forest monitoring and biomass estimation
Mon Apr 15 2019
SERVIR, a joint development initiative of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and SilvaCarbon, a U.S. government programme working to enhance capacity around the world in monitoring and managing forests, have announced the release of the “Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Handbook: Comprehensive Methodologies for Forest...
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Copernicus Masters 2019 opens for submissions
Thu Apr 11 2019
An international competition organized by the European Space Agency (ESA) is inviting contributions until 30 June 2019. Copernicus Masters awards prizes to innovative solutions for business and society that use Earth observation data from the European Copernicus programme.
Individuals, universities and higher education institutions, startups, as well as small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs...
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UN-SPIDER conducts Institutional Strengthening Mission to Ecuador
Mon Apr 8 2019
As part of the technical advisory support it provides to countries worldwide in making use of space-based information for disaster management, UN-SPIDER carries out an Institutional Strengthening Mission to Ecuador from 8 to 12 April 2019 upon the request of the Government of Ecuador. This activity is jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), through its...
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Italy launches satellite for monitoring disasters
Mon Apr 8 2019
On 21 March in French Guiana, the Italian remote sensing satellite PRISMA launched aboard a Vega rocket of European launch provider Arianespace. Data from the satellite will be used for natural disaster prevention and disaster response, among other purposes.
The satellite was designed for Italian researchers and will serve as a prototype for future missions. With PRISMA’s images, scientist will...
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New Chinese satellites will support country’s disaster management
Mon Apr 8 2019
After completing in-orbit tests, China officially put two new Earth observation satellites into operation on 21 March. As new part of China’s High-definition Earth Observation Satellite (CHEOS), Gaofen-5 and -6 will aid in environmental protection, agricultural and forestry surveys and disaster relief.
Gaofen-5 and -6 will improve China’s capability to receive ground images and data, thereby...
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Research paper reviews application of satellite observation for fire mapping
Thu Apr 4 2019
A new review paper presents historical background and current developments for mapping burned area from satellite Earth observation.
The authors explore the physical basis to detect burned area from satellite observations, describes the historical trends of using satellite sensors to monitor burned areas, summarizes the most recent approaches to map burned areas and evaluates the existing burned...
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Tropical Cyclone Idai monitored from space
Thu Apr 4 2019
Millions of people in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe are struggling to cope with the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, which has swept through this part of southeast Africa over the last weeks, leaving devastation in its wake. It is thought that more than two million people in the three countries have been affected, but the extent of destruction is still unfolding.
The authorities and military are...
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New satellite-based study of Latin America volcanoes could help researchers better predict eruptions
Thu Apr 4 2019
To predict when a volcano will erupt, researchers rely on indirect signals. However, without long-term and ground-based observations, it is difficult to determine whether these signals are normal disturbances or indicators of a looming eruption. New research suggests satellite data could help to fill that gap and improve scientists understanding of the complex warning signs a volcano may issue...
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GPM completes five years of operations
Tue Apr 2 2019
Five years ago, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) launched the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory as a joint satellite. Since then, the instruments on GPM have provided advanced measurements about rain and snow particles within clouds, Earth’s precipitation patterns, extreme weather and precipitation...
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UN-SPIDER conducts Technical Advisory Mission to Peru
Mon Apr 1 2019
As part of it advisory support activities, UN-SPIDER is carrying out out a Technical Advisory Mission (TAM) to Peru from 1 to 5 April to evaluate the current and potential use of space-based information in all aspects of disaster management. Based on exchanges with a wide range of stakeholders, UN-SPIDER will provide recommendations as to how to strengthen the use of space-based information in...
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UNOOSA activates International Charter for flood in Islamic Republic of Iran
Sun Mar 31 2019
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), as part of the support it provides to Member States through its UN-SPIDER programme, has requested the activation of the International Charter "Space and Major Disasters" for monitoring the impact of the floods in the Islamic Republic of Iran caused by heavy rainfall in the southwestern provinces of Golestan and Mazandaran on 31 March....