Supporting policy Public practices
From INVESaTWIKI
Contents |
POLICY PRACTICES IN THE FIELD OF EARTH OBSERVATION
US remote sensing policies
Since July 1972 when data from the first satellite in the
Landsat series were received and analyzed, scientists,
geographers, resource managers, and others from a wide
variety of disciplines have recognized the potential value
of data remotely sensed by satellites to serve both the
public good and private interests.
More
recently, especially following the advent of the market
for high resolution data (5m or less) acquired from
space, the value of remote sensing information has
gained recognition within elements of the private sector.
Imaging satellites owned and operated by private firms
have emerged as a complementary element in US remote
sensing policy.
US policymakers face a continuing
challenge of reaching a proper balance in formulating
and effectively implementing remote sensing policies
that best serve US interests. Such policies need to
support both civil and commercial observation satellites
that are available and responsive to the nation’s diverse
civil, national security, and commercial requirements for
overhead imagery data of various types and resolutions.
This chapter therefore focuses on the
more recent developments in US land remote sensing
satellite policies. It begins by reviewing how US policy
has evolved on commercial imaging satellites from the
1992 Act through the latest remote sensing policy
released by the Presidential Decision Directive 23 on 25 April 2003. Next, it examines the continuing challenges for
all the aspects of US commercial remote sensing policy. [1]
POLICY PRACTICES IN THE FIELD OF GNSS
Political and regulatory environment
- Development and specification of new, more efficient and safer transport networks (road, rail, maritime, aviation).
- New directives in fishery policies, in environment monitoring, in agriculture, etc.
- New measures to enhance public and consumer protection (customs, justice and home affairs, external relations, etc.)
- Measures in support of people with disabilities, for regional development or for humanitarian aid in poor countries, etc. [2]
POLICY PRACTICES IN THE FIELD OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The role of satellite telecommunication services
Satellite telecommunications services are an essential part of space
industry and cannot be neglected when building a European Policy on Space. On the contrary, we
believe satellite communications have a primary role to play in the development of the information
society and in bridging the digital divide thanks to their capability to provide cost-effective services to
less-densly populated areas.
Spectrum and frequencies issues
A key regulatory principle flowing from the inherent pan-European nature of satellite-based services is the pivotal role of harmonisation. This has implications on the whole regulatory landscape – from operational networks and services licensing to access to spectrum rights and the need to adopt consistent rules on the putting into service of individual radio apparatus.
Market access
European satellite operators find significant barriers to market access when deploying their networks
and services in specific countries. Such barriers are mainly present in countries outside Europe and
oblige very often operators to undertake cumbersome negotiation procedure, on a case by case, with
every national Administration involved.
Satellite platforms
ESOA’s Board recently underlined the requirement of the satellite operators to see a range of
platforms available for procurement from European suppliers. Up to now, it would appear that a larger
range of platform sizes ‘off-the-shelf’ has been available from US manufacturers than from European
industry. European industry could be in a better position to engage in delivering timely, cost-effective
solutions, by means of market oriented developments.
Ground user segment
The widespread use of digital technology and the MPEG standard for digital satellite broadcasting have given rise to tremendous potential for a much wider range of services and applications. These already extend to interactive services using terrestrial means for the return channel, and there is now considerable emphasis being placed on the deployment of satellite interactive services both in the Ka and Ku-bands.
Applications and services
The development of multimedia satellite mission will need to be supported by a truly successful
development of multimedia satellite services such as tele-medicine, collaborative work, distance
learning, business to business advanced services, along side the ordinary high speed Internet access
services. All stakeholders shall thus aim at developing and promoting such satellite-based services.
These multicasting applications together with traditional broadcasting and unicasting satellite
applications will then justify the use of larger and more flexible spacecraft capacity. [3]
References
[1] R.A.Williamson, J.C.Baker
"Current US remote sensing policies: opportunities and challenges".
[2] Galileo Joint Undertaking
"Business in satellite navigation - An overview of market developments and emerging applications".
[3] European Satellite Operators Association
"ESOA General Comments on the European Space Policy and Research and Development Policy in the field of Satellite Telecommunications".
