In a significant move to advance Earth observation capabilities, the UK Space Agency has committed £9 million to fund satellite instruments dedicated to climate monitoring. This investment marks the agency’s most substantial contribution to early-stage technology programs aimed at enhancing how space technology is utilized to comprehend and safeguard our planet.
Date of Announcement: May 14, 2024
The funding, managed by the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI), will support 12 innovative projects. These projects are designed to measure critical emissions, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen dioxide, which are pivotal in understanding climate change dynamics¹.
The UK’s commitment to this cause is not new, but this latest funding round doubles the previous largest investment, signaling a strong and growing dedication to tackling environmental challenges through space technology².
Andrew Griffith MP, Minister for Space at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. He highlighted that this new generation of satellite instruments, backed by government funding, will play a crucial role in addressing climate change. By pinpointing where emissions are highest, the UK aims to cement its leadership in Earth observation and attract more private investment into this rapidly expanding sector⁴.
Beth Greenaway, Head of Earth Observation and Climate at the UK Space Agency, also commented on the importance of satellites in monitoring emissions and other environmental factors. She pointed out that some information critical to understanding our planet’s health can only be collected from space. The new projects underscore the UK’s expertise in both academia and industry, positioning the nation at the forefront of inventing new tools and techniques for Earth observation⁴.
The instruments under development could provide a clearer picture of where high levels of emissions are occurring, such as wildfires or inefficient farming practices. This information is vital for decision-makers to coordinate more effective responses to environmental crises⁴.
The UK’s leadership in Earth observation is further evidenced by its £314 million pledge to Earth observation programs as part of a record £1.8 billion investment in the European Space Agency (ESA). Recently, ESA shortlisted two ambitious UK projects in its Earth Explorers program, which supports innovative satellite missions that positively influence climate science and environmental monitoring⁴.
One of these projects, Hydroterra+, aims to be placed in geostationary orbit to provide data twice a day on water cycles and tectonic events over Europe, the Mediterranean, and North Africa. The other, Keystone, seeks to offer the first direct observations of atomic oxygen at altitudes between 50 to 150km, aiding scientists in examining the impact of solar cycles and space weather on specific regions of our atmosphere⁴.
This funding announcement comes at a time when the global community is increasingly recognizing the importance of accurate and timely environmental data. As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, the need for advanced technology to monitor our planet’s health is more critical than ever.
The UK Space Agency’s investment is a testament to the country’s commitment to using space as a tool for environmental stewardship. It is a step forward in ensuring that the UK remains at the cutting edge of Earth observation technology, ready to meet the challenges of monitoring and protecting our planet for future generations.
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