Our planet is constantly monitored by hundreds of space-borne instruments. This book describes the technology of those instruments and the sciences that provide useful information from them. It also discusses the political implications of space-borne monitoring. From the moment satellites were launched into orbit their ability to see what was happening on a global scale was appreciated—and feared. This well researched book strives to answer such diverse questionsas: Are satellites really a threat to individual privacy? How bad, really, isclimate change and global warming? Why can’t we find Osama bin Laden? Does the world have enough fresh water? The military side of the story is linked to the big security issues that we face, such as terrorism and civil wars. The civilian side of the story involves numerous successful collaborations in weatherforecasting, navigation, communications, and other such 'peaceful' uses of satellite surveillance. How the world handles the knowledge gained from these Earth watchers will be critical in the years to come, and Norris skillfully leads us through the issues and possible paths we can take. Explains the power, limitations, and possible threats posed by satellite imagery Recounts the politics, economics, and science driving the growth of imaging from space Shows how the effects of global warming and climate change are revealed by imaging satellites INDICE: Satellites in Our Everyday Lives - Seen and Unseen.- How and Why It Started - The First Views from Orbit.- Weather Satellites.- The Only (Civilian) Operational Surveillance Satellites.- Climate/Global Change - Only Satellites See the Whole World.- Pollution and Other Legal Ingringements - Spotting the Offenders.- Commercial Surveillance - Mapping on a Large Scale.- Social andScience.- Military Imaging Satellites - Long Range Intelligence.- Military Radio Surveillance from Space.- Future Systems.
- ISBN: 978-1-4419-6937-8
- Editorial: Springer
- Encuadernacion: Rústica
- Páginas: 300
- Fecha Publicación: 29/09/2010
- Nº Volúmenes: 1
- Idioma: Inglés