IMAGING

UAE signs an MoU with China for cooperation in space science

The UAE has signed a memorandum of understanding with the People’s Republic of China concerning defining a framework for collaboration in studies and development in space science, as well as the peaceful exploration of outer space. The signing came during the visit of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to China. The visit aimed at exploring collaboration opportunities in various sectors, including energy, space, financial services, commerce, transportation and education. https://www.zawya.com

Russia Reduces Reliance on Foreign Satellite Data

Russia has significantly reduced its dependency on foreign remote sensing satellites, Russia’s space agency Roscosmos said.

“A significant reduction has been noted in the use of foreign Earth remote sensing satellites, which is linked to the provision of similar data by Russian space devices,” the agency said in a statement.

The United Geographically-Distributed Information System (UGDIS) has also been completed, according to the press release. The system will ensure the distribution Russian satellite data to all those who require access. An Arctic remote sensing center will also be opened in Russia’s northern port of Murmansk jointly with the emergency services ministry, Roscosmos said. http://sputniknews.com

DigitalGlobe select Raytheon

Raytheon Company has been selected by DigitalGlobe, Inc., to develop the capability to support a September 2016 launch and mission planning of DigitalGlobe’s WorldView-4 satellite. Raytheon’s Constellation Scheduling System (CSS) is the commercial geospatial mission planning system for companies who want cost and resource efficiencies through automation while increasing satellite utilization and imagery yield. The new competitively-awarded contract to prepare the ground station for WorldView-4 is part of the first phase in the development of DigitalGlobe’s next generation ground system, Platform 20/20.

ISRO launches RS satellites for agricultural purposes

Union Minister of State for Space, India Jitendra Singh on 9 December informed the Lok Sabha that Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched Remote Sensing Satellites in thematic series – Resourcesat, Cartosat and Radar Imaging Satellite (RISAT-1). The images acquired by these satellites, in conjunction with field observations, are used for various applications in the area of agriculture development, which includes mapping and monitoring of agricultural crops and its condition, crop acreage estimation and production forecast, crop phenology and growth; site suitability for crops, cropping system analysis, watershed monitoring and management, command area management and drought assessment.

He added that Space observatory ASTROSAT, recently launched by ISRO, carried five payloads to study the stars and galaxies in ultraviolet, optical and X-ray wavelength bands. http://www.catchnews.com

Google and FAO partnership

Google Maps and FAO have agreed to work closely together to make geospatial tracking and mapping products more accessible, providing a high-technology assist to countries tackling climate change and much greater capacity to experts developing forest and land-use policies.

The three-year partnership between Google Maps and FAO is designed to foster innovation and expertise and sharply broaden access to easy-to-use digital tools. It ushers in a major ramping up of existing collaboration between the two organizations and will boost the visibility and implementation of efforts to encourage sustainable environmental practices around the world. www.agprofessional.com