Member Article

Space Data & the Security of Critical Infrastructures

A country has critical infrastructures in place to help it run effectively.

These systems are crucial to the country’s operations. If they were to break down or be compromised in any way, there would be a significant knock-on effect across the country.

To ensure these systems stay consistently running, we must effectively and efficiently monitor them, correcting any potential issues before they pose a larger threat.

This is where space data comes in – satellite technology can help maintain and protect these systems to a high standard, as well as identify areas for improvement.

Here’s how space data can ensure the security of critical infrastructures:

How Space Date Can Manage Critical Infrastructures Remotely monitoring these systems from space can give us deeper and more accurate insights. Using these insights, we can protect the systems in question as well as enhance them for future use.

Here are some ways we can implement space data to help maintain our critical infrastructures:

Forecasting Renewable Energy The weather plays a huge role in how much renewable energy we produce, and this is vital for reducing our fossil fuel use.

Satellites are useful for accurate, high precision weather forecasting. This will be extremely effective towards predicting our renewable energy output, thus aiding us in reducing our overall fossil fuel usage.

Search and Rescue Satellite technology can also aid us in search and rescue missions.

If someone is lost in a remote area, satellites will help identify the area and dispatch a fleet of drones to find them.

This will be particularly effective in areas with difficult terrain and other hard to reach areas, resulting in more lives saved and less lives being put at risk.

Rail and Road Monitoring Our travel networks are an essential part of daily life for a large majority of the population.

Any issues on the road or rail networks can potentially cause issues across the country. If we identify the potential issue before it gets out of hand, we can correct it quickly and alleviate any major disruptions.

Satellites can monitor these systems and ultimately be a valuable tool for both precautionary and preventative use.

Remote Healthcare Services Another valuable advantage of implementing space data is remote healthcare.

If we properly implement space data, doctors and other healthcare professionals can remotely check and diagnose patients without the need for physical interaction.

Hospital visits can be a nuisance, especially to those who are sick or elderly. Remote check-ups allow the patients to remain in the comfort of their own homes while hospital space is reserved for critical situations.

What’s Currently Being Implemented Using Space? While there are several potential uses for space data implementation, there are ways in which space is currently aiding our critical infrastructures:

GridWatch GridWatch offers in-depth insights to the people who manage power infrastructures. The status of various power systems is monitored using satellites, ensuring any potential issues are quickly identified.

Removing the need for site inspections can help improve efficiency – identifying the issue remotely means less wasted visits to the actual sites.

Satellite technology can also monitor line transmission capacities, meaning a better understanding of energy coverage as well as reducing the risk of lines overloading.

Orbital Eye This project monitors gas and oil transmission pipelines to ensure their safety and integrity.

Space data results in improved safety and maintenance, as well as reducing operating costs for pipeline operators.

This is a crucial sector in need of protection and maintenance, and Orbital Eye makes use of the space assets available to ensure high safety standards.

TeleRetail One sector where space data can make a huge impact is in urban logistics.

TeleRetail is in the process of developing an automated delivery service using self-driving courier robots. This endeavour helps increase efficiency, preserve energy and be far more cost effective than the current delivery services.

Satellites will track the automated robots, and work in conjunction with GNSS satellite navigation and nanosatellite imagery technology to maintain their functionality.

Is There a Way You Can Help? If you’re developing your own project making use of space assets for the protection of critical infrastructures, ESA can help support you.

They provide guidance, support and access to their network, as well zero-equity funding.

Don’t hold back on your contribution to the world. Apply for the ESA’s funding opportunities and take the next step towards changing the world.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Charles .