by JohnMark Ochieng, Kenya Space Agency
In an exciting development for climate science and environmental monitoring, the Kenya Space Agency, in collaboration with the Egyptian Space Agency and the Ugandan National Space Programme, has been involved in a project known as ClimCam. This initiative aims to monitor the effects of climate change across East Africa using a sophisticated camera detection system that leverages Machine Learning to be mounted at Bartolomeo Columbus module on the International Space Station (ISS).
Why ClimCam?
The ClimCam project represents a significant leap forward in our ability to observe and understand climate change impacts in the East African region. With the effects of climate change becoming increasingly evident—ranging from fluctuating weather patterns and rising temperatures to deforestation and changing water levels—there is an urgent need for comprehensive and accurate data to inform policy and drive mitigation efforts.
Mounted on the ISS, ClimCam will leverages the unique vantage point of space to capture high-resolution images of the Earth. The ISS orbits approximately 400 kilometers above the surface, allowing it to cover vast areas of East Africa with precise frequency and detail. This high-temporal resolution is crucial for observing dynamic environmental changes and long-term trends.
The camera’s advanced technology will provide detailed imagery that will help in monitoring various ecosystems, including forests, savannas, lakes, and coastal areas.
With the ISS orbiting Earth every 90 minutes, ClimCam will frequently capture images of the same areas, providing valuable time-series data.
ClimCam’s mobility ensures extensive geographic coverage which will include remote and otherwise inaccessible areas.
The imagery from ClimCam will have the ability to be integrated with other satellite data and ground-based observations, offering a more comprehensive understanding of environmental changes. The data collected will be instrumental for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers, aiding in the development of effective climate adaptation and mitigation strategies.
By making this data accessible, ClimCam will help educate the public and raise awareness about the urgent need to address climate change.
The development of the ClimCam marks a milestone in the Kenya Space Agency’s efforts to harness space technology for environmental sustainability. It underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling global challenges. As the project progresses, the data gathered will not only enhance our understanding of climate change but also empower East African nations to take informed and decisive action.