Monitoring the environment from space

1 May 2007

Issued jointly by the Natural Environment Research Council, the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI - now DIUS), the British National Space Centre (BNSC) and Astrium Ltd.

A new Earth Observation Centre that will enable the UK to further strengthen its position in international Earth observation programmes is announced today.

The Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI) is a new initiative from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Department for Trade & Industry, as members of the British National Space Centre (BNSC). It brings together scientific expertise and industrial capabilities that will put the UK in a much stronger position to win international contracts for the development of new, technologically advanced space instruments.

As our planet's climate changes, such instruments on board Earth observation satellites are becoming essential tools to monitor the changes and provide a health check on the environments in which we live.

Science and Innovation Minister Malcolm Wicks said, "We've come a long way from the first basic satellite of 50 years ago to the sophisticated instruments we use today. Earth observation technology is becoming increasingly important for monitoring climate change. This new centre will boost the UK's capability in international programmes and ensure that it remains at the forefront of Earth observation technology well into the future."

Driven by the UK's science objectives, the centre's first development programmes will focus on key environmental issues relating to climate and air quality. They will provide the collaborative expertise and training to develop new remote sensing technologies to understand how atmospheric chemistry affects climate; detectors that measure pollutants in the atmosphere; novel space-based instruments to analyse the quantity and flow of carbon dioxide; and to monitor trace gases in the lowest part of the atmosphere.

Dr Arwyn Davies, Director of Earth Observation for both NERC and BNSC, said, "I am delighted that the CEOI is now established. It is an important strand in taking our Earth observation strategy forward, and will cement relationships between our scientific and industrial communities in this crucial area."

CEOI Director Mick Johnson added, "This is good news for the UK. I am looking forward to the task of bringing together the best capabilities in science and industry to deliver new instruments and new technologies."

Further information

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Claudia Hawke has left NERC.
Please contact the NERC web team to update this page.

Dr Arwyn Davies
Director of Earth Observation
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411961

Rebecca Underhill
Senior Press Officer
Department of Trade and Industry
Science & Innovation
Tel: 020 7215 6403

Azara Bibi
Head of Communications
BNSC
Tel: 020 7215 0806

Jeremy Close
Director of Communications
Astrium Ltd
Tel: 01438 773872

Notes

1. Start-up investment for the CEOI of £1.5 million over 15 months comes from NERC and the DTI, with substantial investment from the CEOI industrial and academic partners.

2. Mick Johnson, who has been appointed Director of the CEOI, is based at Astrium Ltd.

3. Astrium Ltd, Europe's largest space company and a route for application of the new technologies in future Earth observation and space science missions, has been appointed to lead the CEOI. They are in partnership with the University of Leicester as academic research partner, who will interface with the science and user communities to establish the requirements for future EO missions; the Science and Technology Facilities Council / Rutherford Appleton Laboratory who will provide the link between these requirements and technology developments; and QinetiQ Ltd. who will manage the technology projects. All partners will have major roles in the development of EO technologies through the centre.

4. NERC funds world-class science, in universities and its own research centres, that increases knowledge and understanding of the natural world. NERC is tackling the 21st century's major environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and natural hazards. It leads in providing independent research and training in the environmental sciences.

5. The Department of Trade and Industry is responsible for trade, business, employment relations, consumers, science and energy. It is in a unique position to contribute to the wider challenge of globalisation – enabling business and employees to prosper in the UK.

6. NERC and the DTI are members of the British National Space Centre (BNSC) which is a partnership of nine Government Departments and research councils. BNSC co-ordinates space activities for the benefit of science, enterprise and the environment and represents the UK at the European Space Agency and at other international forums.

7. Astrium is a world leader in the design and manufacture of satellite systems, payloads, ground infrastructure and space equipment for a wide range of civil and military applications The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is a world-class specialist in Earth observation and meteorological systems, offering platforms, optical and radar instruments and ground segment equipment. Astrium is a prime contractor to ESA for major space exploration programmes. In 2006, EADS Astrium had a turnover of €3.2 billion and 11,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are: the business units Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, and Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.

8. Formed by Royal Charter in 2007 (by combining CCLRC and PPARC), the Science and Technology Facilities Council is one of Europe's largest multidisciplinary research organisations supporting scientists and engineers world-wide. The Council operates world-class, large scale research facilities and provides strategic advice to the UK government on their development. It also manages international research projects in support of a broad cross-section of the UK research community.

9. The University of Leicester is a leading UK university, delivering high-quality undergraduate, postgraduate and professional education, and research with international impacts.

10. QinetiQ was founded from the world's first top flight national defence laboratory to transition to the private sector. It gives customers access to the output of 50 years of national investment at the forefront of technology. It operates at the leading edge of technology, enabling civil customers access to solutions that are often beyond those available in commercial markets.

Press release: 15/07

Monitoring the environment from space

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