Satellites bridge the application gap
Satellite-based applications have evolved along three main routes: navigation, communications and earth observation. The ASTRON project aims to combine three areas of expertise to produce new applications. Background The ASTRON (Applications on the Synergy of Satellite Telecommunications, Earth Observation and Navigation) project recognises the potential in combining these three separate technologies. It is investigating possible commercial applications which could emerge from exploiting the synergies between the three domains and by assisting in their integration within emerging digital interactive services. The time is ripe to exploit new applications using current and emerging technologies in satellite communications, navigation and Earth observation. Among the myriad of potential applications, several are already under consideration for demonstration projects: Data transfer - using broadband satellite data transfer capability to distribute earth observation data from data providers to customers in a fraction of time as compared to traditional delivery via CD-ROM courier services; Navigation - guidance and collision avoidance for aircraft, vehicle guidance (eg, for emergency services) using GPS (Global Positioning System) and digital maps, and navigation assistance for ships in polar regions to help them avoid icebergs; Mapping - remote updating of geographic databases using hand-held GPS receivers, civil engineering applications (GPS surveys), wildlife tracking, fishery guidance services (earth observation (EO) for fish finding maps, precision farming to inform farmers of variations within fields to optimise fertiliser allocation; Disaster management - applications include measurements of structural deformation using GPS and EO for earthquake warning, flood monitoring, forest fires fighting, and mission planning for disaster response. Working partnerships Within the project, the EC's Joint Research Centre (JRC) is collaborating with several European Directorates-General, notably DGIII (Industry) and DGVII (Transport) and DGXIII (Information Society: Telecommunications, Markets, Innovation and Exploitation of Research) and has close links with the European space industry and EU and national space agencies. Description, impact and results Within its brief to support European technology development, without becoming involved in commercialisation itself, the JRC is acting as a platform to identify and demonstrate the feasibility of the various possible applications of integrated satellite technology. In addition, it is assessing relevant systems already developed by European industry and, in close cooperation with their industry counterparts, researchers are establishing communication channels, which should avoid duplication of effort. The team plans to publicise their results in workshops, in a newsletter and via an on-line information service.