The space sector has undergone huge changes over the past decade. In the past, it cost a fortune to launch satellites into space. Nowadays, it has become a lot cheaper thanks to the advancement in technology. Now, it is possible to pack advanced technology into smaller devices, which can be launched easily. This has increased the appetite for space in both government and private sectors. Together with a boost in investments and rapid innovation, the space sector has grown to higher heights.
Remote sensing solutions such as EOS Crop Monitoring have also evolved with the rapid growth of the space sector. Now, satellites provide us with higher resolution images and more accurate data, which is used in the fight for sustainable development and against climate change.
How can space actually help build a more sustainable industry?
Space technologies have an important role to play in achieving the sustainable development goals set to reduce the damage human activities are causing to the environment. They provide us with updated data from any place around the world. This data is used to make smarter decisions and policies that will help fight against climate change. Also, innovations that push collaboration among companies, such as the EOSDA Partner Program, can help us reach our sustainable development goals.
Recent studies have been carried out which show that Earth observation satellite systems help us achieve about 40 percent of the sustainable development goals. This percentage will increase significantly if we are to include telecommunications. For example, NASA’s Communications satellites help to connect billions of devices and transmit data between farms.
So, here are some of the ways in which space can help us create a sustainable future:
- Supporting sustainable farming
- Monitoring global warming and pollution
- Augmenting productivity and boosting industrialization with research and technology
- Supporting the switch to cleaner energy sources
- Bringing education to remote areas
- Better resource management
Space tech helps earth industries
Companies from different industries are using data collected by satellites in many different ways:
1. Agriculture industry
Agriculture feeds the world’s population. However, in recent years, experts have predicted that food growers will have to exponentially increase their output to meet demand by 2030. This is due to the growing human population and changes in climatic conditions.
So, space-based technologies come in to assist farmers reach their goal by increasing the production of food production and profits. With data gotten from satellites, farm owners can monitor crop health and development, moisture levels, and many other parameters. This data is then analyzed and processed with precision agriculture solutions to help in smart decision-making.
EOS Data Analytics (EOSDA) is among the top companies in the precision agriculture sector, with many years of experience in forestry and farming.
By partnering with them, users get a digital precision agriculture solution that they can resell to clients on their own terms. The EOS Crop Monitoring platform has been fully equipped with all the features needed for precision farming. Their goal is to create a network of resellers that help businesses worldwide augment their market presence and build long-lasting relationships.
Here are some of the key features offered by the EOS Crop Monitoring:
- Users can constantly monitor their fields using data obtained from satellites and vegetation indices that are built into the solution. It helps farmers monitor crop health, stages of development, soil moisture, and much more.
- Users can access historical weather available since 1979. They also get a 14-day weather forecast that helps plan farm activities.
- The scouting feature and the scouting mobile app enable scouts to see precise location of problem areas on the field so they know exactly which area to inspect, saving time and effort. It app works without the need for the Internet connection, and scouts can attach images of the problem areas.
- The zoning feature ensures that farmers apply fertilizer with high precision only to areas that need it. This reduces the pollution from fertilizers and helps attain sustainability goals. Variable-rate fertilizer application helps to save costs, increase yields, and reduce waste.
2. Financial Services
The financial sector is benefiting from space technology immensely. Now, customers in developing countries have better access to financial products. There are numerous applications of space technology in areas such as insurance and banking:
- Assessment of credit risk profile
- Verification of insurance claims
- Design of efficient index-based insurance products
- Risk modeling
3. Logistics Industry
Transport infrastructure relies heavily on data communication. With the integration of satellite technology, logistics have become more reliable and fast. It helps vehicles plan the best routes to their destinations, thereby reducing costs, pollution, and waste of resources.
Satellite and space technology has a lot to offer. The partnerships between companies and solutions help bring satellite analytics into different industries and make them more sustainable.
Also read: How AI and Data Analytics Can Improve Your Business
