Session
Session 5: Science / Mission Payloads I
Abstract
Scientists who study the 92 species of whales and dolphins (aka cetaceans) know that many populations are endangered. There may be only 12 vaquita porpoises left, and the ~450 North Atlantic Right whales are being decimated by ship collisions and fishing gear. Conservation efforts rely on implanted radio tags and satellite transponders to track cetaceans in 1.3 billion cubic kilometers of ocean. These efforts, however, are handicapped by technology and the limits of available satellite support. Leading cetologists surveyed in Booz Allen Hamilton’s Project WHALES (Whale/Habitat and Location/Environment Smallsats) agreed there are simply not enough tracking assets in space. The existing U.S.-led ARGOS radio tracking system needs to be supplemented with more satellites, especially in the tropical regions where ARGOS transceivers on polar-orbiting satellites leave gaps of up to two hours. A constellation of small satellites appears to be the most cost-effective way to achieve this objective. Cetologists can also benefit from partnerships with the increasing number of commercial Earth-observing microsatellite constellations. Imaging satellites with one-meter resolution can spot whales directly, while lower-resolution systems can track relevant phenomena like pollution plumes. Additionally, big-data analysis of tracking information and projecting tracks in a 3D environment with software like Booz Allen’s OceanLens™ can multiply the utility of satellite tracking to scientists studying cetaceans and to naval forces trying to avoid injuring cetaceans. Small satellites may well be key to saving the largest animals on Earth.
Microsats and Moby Dick: Microsatellite Support to Whale Science and Conservation
Scientists who study the 92 species of whales and dolphins (aka cetaceans) know that many populations are endangered. There may be only 12 vaquita porpoises left, and the ~450 North Atlantic Right whales are being decimated by ship collisions and fishing gear. Conservation efforts rely on implanted radio tags and satellite transponders to track cetaceans in 1.3 billion cubic kilometers of ocean. These efforts, however, are handicapped by technology and the limits of available satellite support. Leading cetologists surveyed in Booz Allen Hamilton’s Project WHALES (Whale/Habitat and Location/Environment Smallsats) agreed there are simply not enough tracking assets in space. The existing U.S.-led ARGOS radio tracking system needs to be supplemented with more satellites, especially in the tropical regions where ARGOS transceivers on polar-orbiting satellites leave gaps of up to two hours. A constellation of small satellites appears to be the most cost-effective way to achieve this objective. Cetologists can also benefit from partnerships with the increasing number of commercial Earth-observing microsatellite constellations. Imaging satellites with one-meter resolution can spot whales directly, while lower-resolution systems can track relevant phenomena like pollution plumes. Additionally, big-data analysis of tracking information and projecting tracks in a 3D environment with software like Booz Allen’s OceanLens™ can multiply the utility of satellite tracking to scientists studying cetaceans and to naval forces trying to avoid injuring cetaceans. Small satellites may well be key to saving the largest animals on Earth.
