Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) and Advanced Sensor: An Eye in Space

Earth observation refers to gathering and monitoring the planet Earth. Various satellites are commonly used by space experts for monitoring and keeping an eye on the major events taking place in the Earth’s orbit. It is currently witnessing several technical advancements over the last few decades, making it easier for experts to gather the required information from space.

The demand for Earth observation satellite (EOS) technology is rising majorly due to four key trends. These trends are as follow:

· Increasing funding from various governments for Earth observation

· Shifting to small and advanced sensors from big sensors

· Rising use of smaller satellites in swarms and constellations

To better understand, let’s discuss the Earth observation satellite (EOS), its working, and the market scenario of the global Earth observation satellite.

What is an Earth Observation Satellite (EOS)?

Earth observation satellite is also known as Earth remote sensing satellite. It refers to a satellite designed and used for Earth observation from space. It helps space experts monitor environmental changes, respond to humanitarian disasters, and enable sustainable developments.

Also, EOS helps provide essential data related to different areas, including crop health, air quality, ocean salinity, and ice thickness.

The most used satellite for taking Earth’s pictures from above is Earth-imaging satellites similar to aerial imaging technlogies. Also, some Earth observation satellites are technically advanced and can take photos without using remote sensing such as radio occultation.

Types of Earth Observation Satellite

Based on clicking imagery, Earth observation satellites are categorized as Active EOS and Passive EOS.

• Active Earth Observation Satellite

These types of satellites are used to transmit energy to the Earth and calculate the returned energy, which helps gather data about the surface of the Earth. Active EOS is capable of seeing objects even in the presence of clouds.

• Passive Earth Observation Satellite

Passive EOS is used for scanning the reflected radiation from Earth’s surface, such as infrared and visible lights. Unlike Active EOS, these satellites cannot perform during cloudy weather.

Sensors Used in Earth Observation Satellites

Sensor refers to a device used for detecting and responding to the input received from the environment. These inputs can be heat, moisture, light, pressure, or anything from the environment.

An EOS is usually equipped with advanced sensor technologies. Every EOS has got different types of sensors attached to them, mainly depending on the mission of EOS.

The sensors used in EOS are divided into three types: optical sensors, active microwave sensors, and passive microwave sensors. Following described are the three types of sensors:

• Optical Sensors

Optical sensors are mainly attached to EOS to observe the sunlight reflection and rays such as thermal infrared, ultraviolet rays, Earth’s radiation, and medium rays.

Also, these sensors help EOS scan the temperature of the ground surface, sea surface, cloud conditions, vegetative conditions, and water distribution conditions.

• Active Microwaves Sensors

Active microwave sensors transmit the microwaves into specific targets and receive the reflected microwave from that particular target.

These sensors have the potential to work in all types of weather conditions. Since there is no effect of clouds or sunlight on them, they are ideal for use at night. The common sensors used in the active microwave category are Precipitation Radars (PR) and Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR).

• Passive Microwave sensors

These sensors act as backbone support for the active microwave sensors. It keeps on checking whether the reflected microwave for the specific target is accurate or not.

Like active microwave sensors, passive microwave sensors are also capable of working in all types of weather conditions and at night.

Market Insight of Satellite Earth Observation

The era of Earth observation satellite (EOS) started years back in 1957 with the first-ever launch of Sputnik 1. It used to orbit Earth approximately after every 96 minutes and transferred the radio signals being received back to Earth.

After the successful launch of Sputnik 1, there were several other satellites launched, such as TIROS-1, in 1960. TIROS-1 was used to get accurate weather footage from space.

However, since the launch of the first EOS, various technological developments and advancements have contributed to the progress of EOS. Moreover, several companies are focusing on Earth observation missions, which is expected to contribute to the growth of EOS.

The market value of satellite Earth observation was $7,705.9 million in 2021, and it is projected to witness high growth during the forecast period 2022–2032.

Request your free sample on the global satellite Earth observation market

As per the BIS Research market studies, the market value of the global satellite Earth observation market is supposed to reach $15,903.0 million by 2032, with a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.92%.

The key reason driving the growth of the global satellite Earth observation market is increasing applications demands related to agriculture, disaster management, natural resources, and cartography.

Based on region, North America is supposed to dominate the global satellite Earth observation market with the highest number of shares in the market. It is due to the increased government spending, a greater number of satellite companies in the region, and the presence of commercial organizations such as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Planet Labs for Earth, and Maxar Technologies.

Conclusion

The factors responsible for the boost in the Earth observation satellite market are the growing need for analytical services in different markets and the rising demand for Earth observation satellites in developing nations. In the upcoming years, advanced Earth observation satellites connected with various sensors can help get the accurate information and data needed by several applications.

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