Synergy of satellite telecommunications, earth observation and navigation
The Centre for Earth Observation (CEO) programme of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre has recently launched a new activity - ASTRON - which aims to investigate and exploit convergence between earth observation, satellite communications and satellite navigation/positioning systems for the development of integrated space applications. ASTRON (Applications on the synergy of satellite telecommunications, earth observation and navigation) is expected to lead to, amongst other things, more accurate positional measurements and more cost effective information dissemination. ASTRON will work in close collaboration with other European Commission services, particularly DG XIII and DG III, as well as other international organizations, such as the European Space Agency, EUTELSAT and EUROCONTROL, and national agencies. The initiative will explore possible uses of space applications for large user communities, such as environmental or meteorological, and the benefits of earth observation data and information. Earth observation applications will be used to demonstrate the concept for non-earth observation applications with similar technical requirements.