IMAGING

Remote sensing data based on neural networks

Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos will launch the experimental operation of its services for processing the Earth’s remote sensing data based on neural networks, according to Roscosmos representative Denis Shvedov.

This year, Roscosmos has established the Forest Control, Quarries, Disturbed Lands, Construction Control, Emergencies and Agricultural Monitoring services, he said.

“From the beginning of next year, the experimental operation of these services will start. This year, we have carried out experimental testing in some regions,” he said at a conference on present-day problems of Earth’s remote sensing from outer space.

These services particularly use neural networks that make it possible to maximally identify particular objects and the accuracy of identifying facilities under construction currently makes up 80%, he said. https://tass.com

SimActive Software integrated in LiDAR solution for drones

SimActive announces the integration of its Correlator3D™ product into LiDAR systems for drones developed by LiDAR USA. Possible configurations include two side-by-side cameras that allow matching the footprint of the LiDAR sensor, a particularly useful setup for corridor mapping. www.simactive.com

Phase One unveils PAS 880

Phase One has unveiled the PAS 880 fully integrated large-format nadir and oblique camera system for aerial mapping. It integrates a 280-megapixel (MP) nadir camera with four oblique150 MP cameras into a single pod to simultaneously capture photogrammetric 2D and 3D digital imagery.

Operating at a remarkable 2 frames/ second capture rate, it covers extremely wide flight lines with 20,000 pixels across in nadir and 14,000 pixels in each of the oblique angles. The system can be operated at a variety of airspeeds, altitudes, and lighting conditions for cost-effective blur-free image collection, with a maximum spatial resolution of 2.5 centimeters at 600 meters altitude. The combination of 90mm nadir and 150mm oblique camera lenses ensures balanced ground resolution. www.industrial.phaseone.com

Smart satellite data from Australia’s LatConnect 60

UP42 has announced that image data and information from the planned LatConnect 60 constellation of mid-inclined orbit remote sensing satellites will be available on the UP42 developer platform for Earth observation data and analytics.

In early 2022, LatConnect 60 will launch its first two “smart” small satellites equipped with onboard Artificial Intelligence (AI) for data pre-processing and advanced tip-andcue functionality. This on-board AI has the possibility to significantly reduce costs for resellers and end users, making enterprisequality satellite data available to a wider range of small and medium enterprises.

UP42 gives users direct access to extensive Earth observation datasets and advanced processing algorithms – along with cloud computing power – to create their own geospatial solutions easily and inexpensively. Users purchase just the data needed to cover their area of interest and then leverage out-of-the-box processing capabilities to analyze the datasets without investment in their own computing infrastructure. www.up42.com

Lockheed Martin wins $511 million contract

The U.S. Space Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a $511 million contract for two new GPS 3F satellites. GPS 3F, the latest version of the satellites, offer global positioning, navigation, and timing services. They are also equipped with a completely digital navigation payload, and their signals possess better protection against jamming and other kinds of interference. https://spacenews.com

India proposes easy access of satellite-based RS data

The Government of India has proposed to come out with a new space-based remote sensing policy to enable enhanced participation of Indian industry and ease of data access with simplified procedures.

The Department of Space has published a draft “Space- based Remote Sensing Policy of India (SpaceRS Policy 2020)” along with draft “Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (SpaceRS NGP 2020)” for its implementation.

SpaceRS Policy 2020 is aimed at enabling wider stakeholders’ participation and ease of data access. The new draft policy has taken into consideration the global trends, advancement of technology, wide ranging demand for remote sensing data – both within and outside the country – and the recent initiative of the government towards ‘self- reliant’ India.

The government shall promote Indian industries to carry out space based remote sensing activities within and outside India, and enable easy access to space-based remote sensing data, except for “sensitive data and information, the draft policy said. It shall also provide a timely and responsive regulatory environment for the commercial Indian industry to establish and operate space based remote sensing systems.

Any service provider will be free to provide remote sensing data and services to any user in the country, it added. However, a simple process of registration/ authorisation of space asset is envisaged to keep the government informed about the space asset whose data and services are being offered to the users in the country.

Due to national security considerations, a category of data will be identified as ‘sensitive’ and a different mechanism for dissemination of such data is envisaged, it was stated. www.hindustantimes.com