Secure World Foundation Asks Can Satellites Stop Genocide And More

[SatNews] Many questions have been posed regarding the capabilities of satellites.

Some of the questions currently being addressed by the Secure World Foundation are: Can satellites attuned to curbing human rights violations become an instrument for stopping genocide here on Earth?

For those interested there is an opinion editorial that asks this question and more in the Summer 2011 issue of Imaging Notes, a publication that is partnered with Secure World Foundation and focuses on Earth remote sensing for security, energy and the environment.

“To what extent are projects like the private-sector Satellite Sentinel Project effective? They are using imagery to put pressure on governments to intervene, but to what impact? This dialog is an important one,” said Myrna James Yoo, publisher of Imaging Notes.

The Summer 2011 Imaging Notes magazine online version is available here.

Along with gauging the utility of satellites for human rights, other features in the newly issued Imaging Notes include:

• How space-based sensors are performing geological forensic duty by discovering the largely missing terrestrial cratering record – spotting impacts on Earth from past asteroids and comets.
• Spotlighting the new Google Earth Builder platform that makes Google’s back-end geospatial capabilities available to enterprise users – business customers.
• Showcasing a Denver Regional Solar Map application that lets users easily locate their properties and explore the benefits of solar photo-voltaic (PV) installation through a simple address search for their buildings.

Also highlighted in the Summer 2011 issue of Imaging Notes is the use of satellites to monitor a volatile Earth with image analysis providing the intelligence necessary to prepare, respond and heal after natural disasters. A Secure World Foundation Forum explores how launch countries and companies are striving to lessen the load of orbital debris circling our planet.

Dr. Ray Williamson, Secure World Foundation’s Executive Director, noted that the Foundation established a partnership with Imaging Notes magazine in 2009.

“A central focus of our Foundation centers on strengthening or developing the policies and institutions that improve the utility of space technologies in support of human and environmental security needs,” Williamson said. “We are pleased to partner with Imaging Notes to help support our objectives.”

Qualified professionals may receive Imaging Notes by mail or via digital subscription, free of charge in the United States.   Imaging Notes is a publication for commercial, government and academic remote sensing professionals around the world.