Charting the Future of Earth Observation 2024

Charting the Future of Earth Observation: Technology Innovation for Climate Intelligence5Introduction Since 1980, the US has experienced 391 weather disasters causing damages of over $2.755 trillion,1 including severe storms, hurricanes, floods and wildfires. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) estimates the global socioeconomic benefits of weather forecasting at no less than $158 billion per year.2 Earth observation (EO) is critical to monitoring and responding to these climate challenges. It involves the collection of data on Earth’s physical, chemical, biological and human systems using remote- sensing and in-situ data methods from an array of sensors and sources. Remote-sensing data is acquired via platforms such as satellites, piloted aircraft, high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) and drones. Conversely, in-situ data is gathered through GPS-enabled devices, the internet of things (IoT) sensors, and a range of various human-operated or automated measurements. While other remote sensing technologies (such as drones and HAPs) are valuable, over 50% of the essential climate variables (ECVs), can only be measured effectively from space. Therefore, satellite EO offers unparalleled advantages in terms of global coverage, scalability, longevity, and continuous and regular monitoring. Climate intelligence refers to the gathering, analysis and application of historical, current and predictive data about Earth’s systems to manage and mitigate climate risks. Next-generation technology pipelines in satellite EO technology, in combination with synergistic technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), are laying the foundation for transforming large datasets into actionable climate insights. By democratizing access to critical climate data, these technologies promote informed decision-making from governments, the private sector and civil society organizations. Such access is pivotal to addressing climate change both nationally and globally, preparing for a future where the full potential of EO data can be harnessed for climate intelligence. By 2032, satellite EO is expected to generate up to 2 exabytes (2 billion gigabytes) of data cumulatively, accounting for approximately 86% of the total data produced by the space application segment for the forecast period.3 However, the full potential of satellite EO data in managing climate impacts remains underutilized. This is partially due to the inherent complexity of large satellite EO datasets that require extensive processing and analysis to convert data into actionable climate insights, as well as experts and others requiring ongoing technical training. This complexity can limit its accessibility and timeliness, reducing the effectiveness of climate and disaster response applications. Advancements in technology within the space industry, such as improved sensors and satellite edge computing, are enhancing EO with higher spatial and temporal resolution as well as on-board processing capabilities for near-real-time climate- related disaster insights. Trends in EO satellites are evolving in two distinct ways: firstly, new entrants are increasingly launching smaller satellites with EO capabilities. This is due to decreasing launch costs that lower the threshold to entry for many nations with emerging space capabilities and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Secondly, there is a trend towards developing larger satellites with advanced and sophisticated EO sensors. In parallel, the development of synergistic technologies is also laying the ground for advanced data processing, analysis, visualization and communication of climate insights. The increased integration of AI with these technologies is enhancing data processing capabilities at a previously unattainable pace and scale. The expanded development of digital twins for generating and testing various climate scenarios, immersive AR/VR data-decision platforms and data cubes allows users to contextualize and tailor EO data based on their specific needs and requests. In addition, the ability to fuse satellite EO and in-situ data through these platforms helps support global to local-level preparedness and response efforts.Integrating complementary technologies with satellite EO converts complex data into actionable climate insights. By 2032, satellite EO is expected to generate over 2 exabytes of data cumulatively.