Why small radar satellites are critical for rapid climate response by Shay Strong

1 article/video left!

log in or sign up to unlock 3 more articles/videos this month and explore our expert resources.

Automatic Summary

Introduction

Hello everyone! In this blog post, we explore insights from Doctor Sharon, a leading innovator and passionate advocate for small radar satellites and their crucial role in responding to climate changes. Originating from Finland, her exemplary work is at the heart of space satellite technology and geospatial machine learning. Her transformative career journey has taken her from art to astronomy and now, leading the multi-disciplinary team at a Finnish company, specialized in developing first-ever small radar satellites. Join us as we delve into her fascinating journey and the potential of small radar satellites for influencing future climate response actions.

The Orbit of Small Radar Satellites: A Journey from Finland to the World

Doctor Sharon's career path has been nothing short of nontraditional. Blending her love for art with a passion for physics, her academic journey led her to astronomy and the space defense sector in the US. Following her move to Finland, she currently serves as the Vice President of Analytics at a space satellite company. Boasting a diverse team of 40 people representing 20 different nationalities, the company specializes in small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellites, setting a global footprint with four subsidiaries around the world.

Breaking Down Synthetic Aperture Radar

Traditionally aligned with governmental operations, the technology behind SAR has seen a dramatic transformation in recent years. Thanks to the company's miniaturized technology, SAR satellites provide an exciting opportunity for more open source development and open community integration.

Satellites fitted with SAR technology have their unique source of radiation which they use to create high-resolution two-dimensional and three-dimensional images of Earth's surface. Unlike optical sensors reliant on sunlight, SAR satellites are capable of penetrating through clouds, darkness, smoke, and volcanic ash - crucial for rapid climate response actions.

The Role of SAR Satellites in Climate Response

The outstanding feature of SAR satellites is their ability to provide quick and valuable data to better prepare for and respond to environmental disasters such as floods and wildfires. With increasing instances of these disasters globally, SAR technology's ability to peer through clouds to assess damage expedites decision-making processes necessary for possible relocation measures and situational assessment.

How do SAR satellites fare compared to optical systems?

Just like bats use echolocation to navigate, radar systems also emit pulses of radiation and use the return signal to construct two-dimensional or three-dimensional imagery. The noteworthy advantage of radar systems is their liberation from the sun, making them very handy for day-night monitoring and thus, stimulating a leap forward in environmental surveillance.

Applications of SAR Technology

  • Flood Monitoring: SAR satellites help to provide a real-time extent of flood disaster and depth analysis. Combining this information with the locations of residential and commercial buildings helps to effectively mitigate the impact of these disasters.
  • Glacier Monitoring: SAR satellites can determine the speed at which glaciers are moving, facilitating new scientific enquiries and presenting comprehensive climate surveillance.
  • Deforestation Analysis: They are also used to monitor unsanctioned deforestation happening in remote areas by providing clear images of the dynamic changes happening day-to-day.
  • Volcano Monitoring: SAR satellites significantly contribute to the routine checkups on volcanic activities, including lava flow, aiding in timely evacuation planning in case of a possible eruption.

The Power of SAR: From Economic, Societal to Environmental Perspectives

The newfound increase in SAR satellites has unfurled countless possibilities across various domains. From an economic viewpoint, they offer quantitative risk and impact assessments. Societally, they offer verifiable and reliable information, instilling a sense of trust among communities. Finally, from an environmental perspective, these observations generate insights that not only enable responsive disaster management but also ask long-term questions about sustainability and climate change actions.

In closing, the transformative work by Doctor Sharon and her team brings to the fore how small radar satellites are not just useful, but critical for a rapid global climate response. As we confront the rising climate crisis, the power of small radar satellites is undeniable. They provide us with the opportunity to mitigate, adapt, and work towards a sustainable future for all.


Video Transcription

Read More