Space & Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) today released Uncovering the Hidden Arctic, its newest Better Satellite World video. It describes how earth observation from space and data analytics on the ground make it possible to monitor changes to Arctic weather and sea ice, climate-inducted shifts on land and environmental compliance around the world.
While the rest of the world fears rising sea levels, the warming Arctic is opening new shipping routes that promise to cut travel times. New fishing grounds will help feed the world, and new mineral deposits may supply the next generation of electric cars and wind turbines. Yet the hazards of the Arctic remain, while the risks of climate change grow every year. The video explores the contribution of Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) to better management of a changing world, from Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) analysis of Arctic ice to identification of toxic algae blooms and oil spills.
“In 2019, KSAT analysts played an important role in the cross-pole expedition of extreme adventurer Mike Horn,” said executive director Robert Bell. “He and his fellow explorer Borge Ousland were cut off from their ship by deep crevices in the melting ice. It was analysis of SAR data from KSAT experts that found a path for the explorers to make their way to safety.”