In an era where data is hailed as the new oil, Earth observation satellites have emerged as the miners of this invaluable resource. Orbiting thousands of kilometers above the Earth, these satellites capture detailed images and data about the planet, driving advancements in everything from climate research to agriculture. But as the capabilities of these technologies grow, so do questions about who controls the planet’s data and how it’s being used.
The Growing Divide in Data Access
In regions like sub-Saharan Africa, many rural farming communities lack access to satellite data that could help monitor soil health, predict droughts, and improve crop yields. While EO technology has the potential to revolutionize agriculture and disaster preparedness, access remains uneven.
The global EO market, valued at $7.7 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $14.1 billion by 2030, according to Indian research company Spherical Insights. However, much of this growth is concentrated in nations and corporations with the resources to build, launch, and operate satellites, potentially sidelining billions of people.
Calls for a Collaborative Approach
Experts warn that without international frameworks for collaboration, EO technology risks benefiting a few powerful players while excluding others.
“Think of it as building a global ‘open library’ of satellite data,” said Sahith Reddy Madara, aerospace engineer and founder of Paris-based advisory firm Bumi and Space. He suggests that governments and international organizations could set up agreements ensuring private companies share a baseline of essential imagery.
For example, a consortium involving the African Union, the European Commission, and NASA could negotiate incentives—like fast-tracked launch approvals or tax breaks—for commercial operators that release critical datasets to the public.
Beyond Access: Transforming Data into Usable Insights
Access to satellite data alone is insufficient for communities in need. Research institutions and local organizations play a pivotal role in translating raw data into actionable insights, such as maps, alerts in local languages, and SMS-based warning systems.
In Bangladesh, open-access datasets are used to predict and map flood-prone areas, helping communities evacuate before disasters strike. Agencies like NASA, the United Nations, and local nonprofits process raw satellite data into user-friendly flood models and early warning systems, saving lives and livelihoods.
“Raw data alone doesn’t help if you’re a farmer in Zimbabwe or a teacher in Bolivia with limited bandwidth,” said Mr. Madara. He advocates for the creation of a global fund supported by wealthy nations and philanthropic groups to ensure equitable access.
“This fund would allow small farmers in Zimbabwe or coastal communities in the Philippines to access vital environmental and disaster information, no matter who owns the satellites,” he said. “It’s a shared effort: policy frameworks that open data gates, local expertise to make the data useful, and financial backing to keep it all running.”
The Rapid Expansion of EO Satellites
Falling launch costs and advancements in nanosatellite technology have driven a surge in EO satellites. In 2023, 1,192 EO satellites were operational, with dominant players including the US, China, and private companies like Planet Labs and Maxar. These satellites provide high-resolution imagery for applications ranging from monitoring deforestation to assessing disaster damage.
However, much of this data is controlled by wealthier nations and corporations. Developing countries often depend on free resources like Europe’s Copernicus initiative, which provides open-access data from Sentinel satellites. While beneficial, these datasets lack the high-resolution, real-time imagery available to those with the financial means to purchase it.
Building Capacity and Regional Hubs
To bridge the gap, experts call for capacity-building initiatives and regional data hubs.
“We need to encourage the development and dissemination of open-source and openly licensed EO data,” said Dr. Sarath Raj, project director of Amity University Dubai’s satellite ground station. “This empowers local researchers, policymakers, and communities to utilize data for their specific needs, fostering independent analysis and informed decision-making.”
Dr. Raj also emphasized the need for regional data hubs to act as centralized repositories for EO data. These hubs would facilitate data sharing, provide technical support, and promote collaboration among researchers and institutions across regions.
The race for Earth observation satellites is shaping the future of how we understand and interact with our planet. While the technology holds immense potential for solving global challenges, it also raises significant questions about equity, privacy, and control. The ultimate goal should be to ensure that satellite data benefits all of humanity rather than serving narrow interests.
The question remains: Will the race for dominance lead to collaboration or division in managing the Earth’s most critical asset—its data? Only time will tell.
