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Novel applications for earth observation data wanted

Kgaogelo Letsebe
By Kgaogelo Letsebe, Portals journalist
Johannesburg, 18 May 2017
SANSA and Airbus Defence and Space seek novel uses of earth observation data.
SANSA and Airbus Defence and Space seek novel uses of earth observation data.

The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) and Airbus Defence and Space are inviting groups and/or individuals to submit proposals for home-grown and innovative uses of earth observation data obtained by satellites.

SANSA says it hosts an archive containing more than 150 terabytes of remote sensing data dating back to 1972.

The aim of this data collection is to help improve the livelihoods of communities across Africa through the delivery of space-derived services and products, impactful collaborative R&D and active partnerships.

Airbus Defence and Space has exclusive access to the data from the SPOT and Pl'eiades optical satellites, as well as the TerraSAR-X and TanDEM-X radar satellites.

According to Airbus Defence and Space, its OpenIX challenge is open for all solutions from concept to pre-commercial and should ideally be connected to the achievement of five sustainable development goals, being in agriculture, environmental monitoring, water management, marine management and sustainable cities.

"There are two stages to this challenge - the first is the submission of a short concept document that describes the proposed use of the data. The closing date for this submission is 17 July.

The challenge evaluation team will consider these proposals, and select a shortlist of candidates who will be invited to develop a working proof of concept by 30 October. These will be reviewed to select a final winner, and engage in discussions across the month of November," said the challenge owners in a statement.

The top solution provider will receive access to the Airbus Defence and Space facilities, including a site visit to Airbus Defence and Space in Toulouse, France, and will be offered incubation with the Innovation Hub in Johannesburg for 12 months, where they will receive product and business development support.

Shortlisted candidates will have access to support from industry specialists and take part in and will also receive a three-day capacity building workshop on business model design and validation; pitching and negotiation.

Interested parties can enter here.

"SANSA and Airbus Defence and Space believe there is significant scope to increase the use of earth observation data, in both the public and private sphere, within South Africa. This will lead to a range of benefits, both in terms of commercial competitiveness as well as societal benefit," says the statement.

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