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A remote sensing system developed by ARS is the scientific launch
pad for a four-satellite commercial network. It is expected to reveal
such details as too much or too little soil moisture; nutrient deficiency
in a crop; and emerging weed, insect and disease outbreaks. Planned for
earth orbit in 1999, the space system is to be built and launched by RESOURCE21,
Inc., of Denver, CO. It would be the first commercial system to deliver
data, up to twice weekly, to farmers within 24 hours of being obtained from
satellites. In addition, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
is considering switching to the RESOURCE21 space system from its
LANDSAT system. ARS researchers in Texas have since 1985 been assembling
and testing
approaches for using remote sensing to monitor crop and environmental conditions.
The original ARS system was based on video recorders, equipped with three
special light filters. RESOURCE21 today uses a very similar system--but
with digital cameras--in an airplane-based prototype of the future space
system. Data are supplied by computer linkup to growers in several states.
They generate maps and graphs that show the location and extent of potential
problems. RESOURCE21 partners include Agrium Ltd., Boeing Commercial Space
Company, Farmland Industries, Inc., General Dynamics Electronics Systems,
Institute for Technology Development and Pioneer Hi-Bred
International.
Remote Sensing Research,
Weslaco, TX
Jim Everitt, (210) 969-4824
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Last Modified: 02/11/2002
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