Polar and Climate
The polar and high mountains are the planet’s barometers, telling us a great deal about the present and future effects of climate change.
The Contribution of Space Technologies to Arctic Policy Priorities
This report compares the needs of Arctic stakeholders (as articulated in policies and strategies) with the contribution different types of satellite technologies (communications, weather, navigation, earth observation, surveillance, and science) can make to meet current and future requirements. It will help the European Space Agency (ESA) understand Arctic issues, increase the synergy between ESA activities and Arctic initiatives, and assist ESA in preparing relevant Arctic related programme proposals to meet future requirements.
The Arctic is a challenging region in which to live and work. Distances are vast, the weather is difficult, and for much of the year it is dark. Although increasing, Arctic populations are small. Space technologies have many attributes that make them ideal for application in the Arctic context. Satellites can see remote areas that could not be accessed in any other way. They can cover wide areas with relatively little infrastructure. And, they can provide types of information that are not available from any other source. Space technologies can contribute to Arctic policy priorities in many ways: Communications, Earth Observation, Navigation, Surveillance and Science.
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