Astrium, a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services, recently carried out a study on the Innovation and Growth Strategy (IGS) Recommendation 5 for the UK Space Agency. This exercise is working towards a single Earth Observation (EO) data service that is available to the government and will increase the ease of obtaining satellite data. Through EO satellite services, it is hoped greater spatial coverage and detail can be obtained, facilitating decisions made my policy makers and legislation.
As part of the study, information from the UK-Environmental Observation Framework (UK-EOF)'s Statement of Need were used to inform researchers of the environmental observation requirements of the UK. Using this information, Astrium conducted a web based search to identify satellite applications that could assist in meeting these observation requirements. Astrium will provide supplementary information to update the UK-EOF Statement of Need Observation Requirements Tables to illustrate their findings.
Recommendation 5: The UK Government should procure an innovative indigenous Earth Observation (EO) data service that meets all Public Sector needs and creates wealth for the UK in domestic and export markets. Industry, in parallel, will offer innovative technical and commercial options to provide a Private Financial Initiative (PFI) service and work with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to maximise export opportunities.
