Imaging

First UAE Spectral library website for public use

The Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Centre at the College of Natural and Health Sciences at Zayed University has earned a commendable badge by presenting the first UAE Spectral Library website for public use.

The library will allow users to interact and access spectral information derived using hyperspectral camera and Field Portable Spectroradiometers, as well as remote sensing images from space and airborne platforms for remote spectroscopic sensing. The centre is considered the first of its kind in the UAE to carry out planetary studies, environmental studies, training and consultancy in the remote sensing sector. https://wam.ae

USGS and Peru sign an agreement for RS operations

The United States and the Republic of Peru formalized a partnership that will facilitate cooperative research in Earth Observations and technology development, which has numerous applications for national priority research areas. This agreement, facilitated through the intergovernmental organization of the Group on Earth Observations, is an example of the lasting commitment of the United States and the Republic of Peru for “a future wherein decisions and actions for the benefit of humankind are informed by coordinated, comprehensive, and sustained Earth Observations”. www.usgs.gov

Indian Space Association launched by the Prime Minister

Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi has expressed the hope that with the active engagement of stakeholders, and with suggestions from industrialists, a better space and remote sensing policy will be developed.

The 20th-century tendency of trying to rule space and the space sector divided the countries of the world. But now, in the 21st century, India will have to ensure that space plays an important role in uniting and connecting the world, he said. Speaking at the launch of the Indian Space Association (ISpA) on 11th October 2021, he stressed that to develop a strong start-up ecosystem, a platform approach is very important. Citing the platform of UPI, which became the basis for a strong fintech network, he said similar platforms are being encouraged in space, geospatial fields and for use of drones in various areas

Among its early members include Bharti Airtel, Larsen & Toubro, Nelco (Tata Group), OneWeb, Mapmyindia, Walchandnagar Industries and Ananth Technology Limited.

Pawan Goenka appointed as chairman of IN-SPACe

The Government of India (GOI) has proposed the name of Pawan Goenka, former Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra, as the chairman of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (INSPACe). On September 7, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued an executive order to this effect.

The announcement to launch IN-SPACe under the Department of Space was made in June 2020 to serve as the bridge between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other government agencies and the private sector to develop a commercially viable and vibrant space ecosystem in India. Its mandate is to regulate and promote the building of routine satellites, rockets, and commercial launch services through Indian companies. www.timesofindia.com

China launches hyperspectral EOS

China launched the Gaofen 5 (02) hyperspectral Earth observation satellite. A Long March 4C rocket lifted off from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center at 11:01 p.m. EDT Sept. 6 (0301 GMT or 11:01 a.m. local time Sept. 7). The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), announced the success of the launch once the satellite had entered its planned orbit. www.space.com