When it comes to satellite data, sometimes more is more

When it comes to satellite data, sometimes more is more
by Staff Writers
Hoboken NJ (SPX) May 15, 2023

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have introduced a digital platform named the New Observing Strategies Testbed (NOS-T), a tool that could reshape the way satellite data is analyzed and utilized. The platform facilitates information exchange between a myriad of orbital devices and land-based antennae, creating a new standard for earth science research.

Today, around 7,000 satellites circle the Earth, generating a massive volume of data on a daily basis. This wealth of information, operated by various governments and commercial entities, can prove challenging for researchers looking to fully harness the potential of these orbital sensors. The primary hurdle has been the distributed nature of satellite data, which has impeded collaboration and hindered the implementation of comprehensive research projects.

NOS-T aims to tackle this issue by allowing organizations to independently model their satellites and their data. The platform facilitates the exchange of limited, approved data messages, ensuring data sharing without revealing sensitive information, control algorithms, or proprietary technologies. Paul Grogan, associate professor of systems engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology and the project's leader, stated that the goal is to streamline the process of developing and validating distributed missions, allowing researchers to maximize the use of data collected from orbital sensors.

The researchers published their work in Systems Engineering, underlining the potential of networked satellites to generate highly detailed images and provide a more comprehensive understanding of Earth's surface. Leveraging multiple satellites enables continuous monitoring of specific locations, which can be applied to tasks such as wildfire detection and landslide prediction. In contrast, individual satellites are restricted to scanning areas they pass over.

The NOS-T platform could have significant implications for space research, as the collaborative efforts it facilitates are not easy to achieve. According to Grogan, without a successful digital simulation, real-world space mission collaboration remains a far-reaching goal.

In an encouraging development, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Earth Science and Technology Office plans to deploy NOS-T for evaluating mission proposals starting from next year. Mission designers have already started to use the platform to validate new research frameworks before applying for federal funding.

Grogan mentioned that as the cost of space launches continues to decrease, many organizations are deploying sensors in orbit. He stressed that collaboration is the future of space research, but first, we need to thoroughly model and test collaborative relationships, just as we do with the hardware we're using.

The article provides value for readers, particularly defense industry and industry analysts, due to potential implications for surveillance and intelligence gathering, and the space industry respectively. However, stock market analysts may find limited relevance in the article.

The introduction of collaborative digital platforms like NOS-T points to the possibility of enhanced communication between satellites, fostering automatic coordination of sensors based on shared research goals. As satellite technology continues to evolve, collaborative platforms such as NOS-T may serve as a significant catalyst in advancing the field of satellite data analysis, heralding a new era of collaborative research and discovery.