UK harnesses space technology to tackle global environmental challenges

5 March 2009

A major new centre dedicated to harnessing the full potential of space technology for environmental research is launched today.

The National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO) is advancing the frontiers of knowledge by supporting science that enables solutions to some of the world's biggest environmental challenges.

GOCE satellite

Artist's impression of the GOCE satellite (Copyright ESA)

Speaking at the launch, which was held at the Royal Institution in London, Science Minister Lord Drayson said, "Society is relying on science for answers to the most complex and daunting environmental challenges facing the planet. The launch of the National Centre for Earth Observation represents the UK's determination to use the full potential of space technology for environmental research and make the most of this country's considerable expertise.

"Satellites offer a unique perspective on the interconnected processes that are shaping our world. Research undertaken at the NCEO will bring together seismologists, oceanographers and computer modellers to analyse data generated from British satellites and from European Space Agency programmes. In particular, I'm pleased to report that the NCEO will provide an essential national resource for the ESA Global Monitoring for Environment and Security programme, which the UK government has recently invested £82m.

"In short, this centre will help to understand and tackle some of the biggest global challenges of the 21st Century."

The NCEO has a leading scientific role in the development of two of the three missions in the final selection stage for ESA's next Earth Explorer missions.

The two missions are:

BIOMASS - which will determine for the first time the global distribution of forest biomass, to reduce uncertainties in the calculations of carbon stocks and fluxes; and
PREMIER - to evaluate the processes controlling the composition of the atmosphere in the 5-25km height range, which is especially important for climate change.

The NCEO, which is one of the Natural Environment Research Council's research centres, is also undertaking projects to deal with issues such as climate and sea-level change, flooding, deforestation and the carbon cycle, earthquakes and volcanic activity.

Professor Alan O'Neill, Director of the NCEO, said, "This is the beginning of a very exciting journey as Earth observation from space has never been more important. It is a vital tool in measuring and managing the health of the planet. We now have such advanced technology we can predict what environmental issues are likely to occur and determine how to deal with them.

"The NCEO uses satellite observations in combination with other sources of data, such as ground-based sensors and models of the Earth system, to improve understanding and predictions of environmental change. For example, we can now detect very small changes and virtually see the Earth's 'skin' crinkling as stresses build up, so we can judge whether an earthquake will occur or a volcano might erupt. We can predict which areas will be most affected and advise how to minimise the impacts on life and property."

Three Earth Explorer missions with UK involvement are scheduled to launch in 2009:

GOCE, which is designed to map out the Earth's gravity field in more detail than ever before;
SMOS, to measure soil moisture and ocean salinity to help monitor changes; and
Cryosat-2, to determine variations in the thickness of the continental ice-sheets and marine ice cover.

Further information

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

Andy Shaw
NCEO
Tel: 0118 378 7997

Notes

1. The NCEO is one of the Natural Environment Research Council's research centres. It has a budget of £33m over five years and involves more than 100 investigators from 26 UK universities and research centres. Its mission is to unlock the full potential of Earth observation to monitor, diagnose and predict climate and environmental changes.

2. NERC invests around £45m in ESA each year. This investment provides the UK with mission opportunities, the associated infrastructure and science support activities, along with access to ESA data for UK researchers. The NCEO is a key user of ESA data.

3. A sister centre to the NCEO is the Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation (CEOI), which supports and strengthens UK expertise and capabilities in Earth observation technology through knowledge exchange activities and by developing innovative instruments. The CEOI currently receives £500k in funding from both NERC and the government's Department of Innovation, Universities & Skills, with industry contributing additional funds.

4. NERC is a partner in the British National Space Centre (BNSC), a partnership of ten Government Departments, Research Councils and the Met Office. BNSC is at the heart of UK efforts to explore and exploit space. It co-ordinates UK civil space activities to benefit science, enterprise and the environment and represents the UK at the European Space Agency and at other international forums.

5. NERC funds world-class science, in universities and its own research centres, that increases knowledge and understanding of the natural world. It is tackling major environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and natural hazards. NERC receives around £400m a year from the government's science budget, which is used to provide independent research and training in the environmental sciences.

UK harnesses space technology to tackle global environmental challenges

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