The European Space Agency, on behalf of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites, has announced the release of the 2009 edition of the CEOS Missions, Instruments and Measurements database.
The CEOS database is the only official, consolidated statement of the Earth observation programmes and plans of all the world’s civil space agencies.
The database features details of around 260 Earth observing satellite missions and 400 instruments, which are currently operating or planned for launch in the next 15 years – funded and operated by around 30 space agencies worldwide.
The database is the cornerstone of the efforts of CEOS coordination on gaps and overlaps to optimise global observations in support of key societal needs such as climate change information.
CEOS provides this information on-line for the benefit of the global community, to promote awareness as to the capabilities of Earth observation satellites and to develop understanding of their potential in applications of benefit to society.
The latest edition of the database is current as of October 2009 – making it the most up-to-date and comprehensive statement of governmental Earth observation programmes available.
The CEOS database and the print version known as the EO Handbook is always keenly anticipated by the space community for its insights into future trends worldwide in remote sensing programmes.
The major aims of CEOS are to achieve international coordination in the planning of these Earth observing satellite programmes and to maximise utilisation of their data, in order to effectively address the most critical requirements.
