eu4journalists

Space Policy

4. Earth Observation (GMES)

Issues:

• Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES)
• Envisat Earth observation

Earth observation (EO) satellites are best suited to monitor high-risk regions, like volcanoes, seismic faults or forests subject to seasonal fires. Numerous Earth observation missions of ESA contribute to the tasks of understanding our planet (by enabling planetary research or monitoring arctic ice), securing the environment (by monitoring geohazards, ensuring maritime security and air quality) and benefiting the economy (with satellites helping to ensure efficient use of pesticides or space-borne sensors helping Africa to tackle water shortage problems). Examples include impressive pictures taken by ESA’s Envisat Earth Observation and the final stage of the European initiative GMES.

Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES)

is the European initiative for the implementation of information services dealing with environment and security. GMES will be based on observation data received from Earth observation satellites and ground based information. These data will be coordinated, analysed and prepared for end users.

The GMES concept was launched in 1998 and an initial exploratory period (2001-2003) was competed before the European Commission outlined an action plan for the period up to 2008, aiming at the delivery of operational user-oriented GMES services. A first set of services is expected to become operational in 2008 with data for

• monitoring and forecasting environment-related evolution and
• handling issues related to the security of citizens.

GMES is also the European participation in the worldwide monitoring and management of our planet as well as the European contribution to the inter-governmental Group on Earth Observation (GEO), which was established at the world summit on world observation in Washington D.C., in 2003.

Envisat Earth Observation (Envisat)

is ESA’s largest Earth Observation spacecraft, which was launched in 2002. It carries 10 sophisticated optical and radar instruments to provide continuous observation and monitoring of the Earth's land, atmosphere, oceans and ice caps. Envisat data provides a collective wealth of information on the workings of the Earth’s ecosystems, including insights into factors contributing to climate change. The dedicated Envisat offers access to more than thousand impressive satellite images.