Towards an Atlantic Constellation

The use of satellites has become a fundamental tool to observe the earth and the Ocean providing us with information about ocean bathymetry, sea surface temperature and levels, ocean color and blooms of algae, coral reefs and biodiversity, fisheries and aquaculture, coastal phenomena, extreme weather events to name a few possibilities. All data collected is now crucial in the most diverse domains and sectors, including research and other end-users working on the interactions of Space-Ocean-Earth to solve today´s most challenging matters related to climate change.

The AIR center has been articulating with Portugal (PT Space and CoLab+Atlantic), Mexico (AEM), UK (Catapult SA), Spain (CDTI), Nigeria (NASRDA), South Africa (SANSA), Norway (NTNU), Egypt (EGSA), Brazil (INPE), and Canada (ASC-CSA) to co-design a flagship project for the development of a constellation of small satellites called the Atlantic Constellation, leading to the development of innovative applications from Space to the Ocean, Earth, Climate and Atmosphere, through a transatlantic partnership.

To understand which are the main user requirements and needs for an Atlantic Constellation to go forward the AIR Center promoted the hybrid workshop on Preliminary User Needs and Requirements on the 15th and 16th of July.

Among the invited speakers was Prof. João Borges de Sousa who address the theme Improved environmental and maritime monitoring.