Earth observation technology will transform climate monitoring

The International Space Station (ISS) aims to accelerate Earth monitoring and environmental research. The ISS National Laboratory®-sponsored payload, placed on Airbus’ Bartolomeo platform, will expand access to the space station’s unparalleled vantage point.

This innovation will enhance Earth observation and provide unprecedented research opportunities, providing a deeper understanding of our planet.

Earth Observation with Bartolomeo

“Airbus is improving our ability to observe and understand our planet and democratizing access to space by bringing more research and technology demonstrations to the ISS than ever before,” said Debra Facktor, director of US Space Systems at Airbus.

“Our ArgUS platform on Bartolomeo will support smaller payloads with the same power, data regulation and monitoring as larger projects.”

Improving global monitoring with Bartolomeo

Bartolomeo offers a range of mission services, including technical support, operations and ground-based data communications.

Using the unobstructed view of the Earth from the European Columbus module, it is possible to perform many missions related to Earth observation, robotics, materials science and astrophysics.

The new ArgUS Multi-Payload Adapter supports smaller payloads in the standard Bartolomeo slot, allowing multiple experiments to coexist.

Space coworking space

“ArgUS is essentially a coworking space in space where a variety of experiments are conducted side by side,” Facktor said.

Work is already underway on the first payloads using the ArgUS adaptation. Among them is SpaceTV-1 Sena, a new 4K camera system that will provide real-time images of the Earth and the ISS.

“We hope our images provide valuable and timely insight into environmental events, so we invite environmental agencies interested in working with our data to contact us,” said Charles Black, founder and CEO of Sen.

“We want to make sure our data is used to help those affected by environmental incidents.”

Exploring new frontiers with ArgUS

BAE Systems also uses ArgUS to test new Earth observation and weather monitoring hardware and software.

These experiments could provide key information about climate change and natural disasters, and even help with future lunar missions.

“Our goal is to take concrete steps to improve our Earth observation and data processing capabilities and demonstrate our ability to rapidly develop these technologies at low cost,” said Steve Smith, vice president of engineering, science and analytics at BAE Systems Space and Systems missionary.

The payload is equipped with a next-generation radio frequency receiver for passive atmospheric sounding and a short-wavelength infrared camera that enhances low-cost environmental monitoring capabilities.

BAE Systems will also provide on-orbit data processing using Linux-based software, marking a significant advancement in space environmental monitoring.

Improving Earth Observation with Bartolomeo

Facktor noted that Bartolomeo not only offers high data transfer rates, enabling scientists to quickly receive critical data, but also lowers the barrier to entry for space missions.

Scientists, institutions and private organizations can now access low Earth orbit at an affordable cost, further improving scientific research outcomes thanks to Bartolomeo’s high-speed data link.

Airbus’ collaboration with the International Space Station through the Bartolomeo platform represents a significant step forward in enhancing environmental monitoring and research capabilities from space.

Insights into key environmental issues

The platform’s real-time data collection capabilities provide researchers with detailed and critical insight into key environmental issues, including climate patterns, natural disasters and ongoing ecological change.

By supporting a wide range of compact payloads, such as the ArgUS Multi-Payload Adapter, Bartolomeo enables an expanded range of experiments and promotes deeper, more efficient investigations of complex Earth systems in many scientific fields.

This continuous stream of high-quality data will play a key role in guiding global efforts to respond to disasters, protect the environment and create more effective sustainable solutions, while shaping future research directions and policy decisions to protect our planet.

Bartolomeo’s opportunities for innovation on Earth

The Bartolomeo platform drives innovation, creating new opportunities for diverse scientific research and technological development.

Thanks to its flexible design, Bartolomeo can accommodate a variety of payloads, from environmental monitoring tools to advanced robotics and materials science experiments.

This flexibility allows scientists to test cutting-edge technologies in space, accelerating the development of solutions that can be used both in orbit and on Earth.

By enabling these advances, the platform not only supports ongoing research, but also opens the door to future discoveries that can reshape industries and improve global sustainability efforts.

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