Satellite Data: Earth from Above
How orbiting satellites provide unprecedented global coverage of Earth's climate systems
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Section 2 of 5Satellite Technology & Capabilities
Satellites provide the most comprehensive view of Earth's climate systems, offering global coverage that ground-based measurements cannot achieve. Modern satellite systems use advanced sensors to measure everything from sea surface temperatures to atmospheric composition, from vegetation health to ice sheet thickness.
Optical Sensors
Capture visible and infrared light to monitor land surfaces, oceans, and clouds. Provide high-resolution imagery for detailed analysis.
Radar Systems
Use microwave signals to penetrate clouds and measure surface properties. Essential for monitoring precipitation and soil moisture.
Spectrometers
Analyze light spectra to identify atmospheric gases and surface compositions. Critical for greenhouse gas monitoring.
Interactive Satellite Constellation Visualizer
Active Satellites
LEO Satellite Characteristics
Data Processing & Challenges
Satellite data requires sophisticated processing to convert raw sensor measurements into usable climate information. This involves correcting for atmospheric interference, calibrating instruments, and combining data from multiple satellites for comprehensive coverage.
Key Challenges
- • Orbital Decay: Satellites gradually lose altitude and must be replaced
- • Data Continuity: Maintaining consistent measurements across satellite generations
- • Calibration: Ensuring accuracy across different instruments and conditions
- • Cloud Interference: Atmospheric conditions can block or distort measurements
- • Data Volume: Processing massive amounts of data requires significant computing resources