Technical programme
IAC-21 — 72nd International Astronautical Congress
B1. IAF EARTH OBSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
The Earth Observation Symposium, organized by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF), covers all aspects of Earth observations from space, especially observations related to the Earth’s environment and including mission planning, microwave and optical sensors and technologies, systems for land, oceanographic, and atmospheric applications, ground data-processing.
- Coordinator
- Andrew Court 
 TNO — The Netherlands- Harry A. Cikanek 
 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — United States
B1.1. International Cooperation in Earth Observation Missions
Focus is on efforts being made by governments, agencies and society to achieve coordination, cooperation and compatibility in the development of space-based Earth observation systems. Presentations are encouraged which involve cooperative efforts with developing countries. Papers on current and ongoing missions involving coordination among commercial, government and other entities are especially encouraged.
- Co-Chair
- Mukund Kadursrinivas Rao 
 Independent consultant — India- José Gavira Izquierdo 
 International Space Consultant — The Netherlands
- Rapporteur
- James Graf 
 Jet Propulsion Laboratory — United States
B1.2. Future Earth Observation Systems
Emphasis is on functional and technical description of envisioned, planned and recently launched new space sensors, systems and missions for experimental and operational Earth observation. Descriptions of new concepts and innovative Earth observation sensors and systems are encouraged.
- Co-Chair
- Timo Stuffler 
 OHB System AG - Munich — Germany- Alain Gleyzes 
 CNES — France
- Rapporteur
- Gunter Schreier 
 Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR) — Germany
B1.3. Earth Observation Sensors and Technology
Focus is on instruments and future concepts being proposed, developed, tested, or calibrated for all aspects of Earth observation. Particular emphasis is on systems and technologies that make innovative measurements and deliver improved performance for science, operational or commercial applications.
- Co-Chair
- Andrew Court 
 TNO — The Netherlands- Roland Le Goff 
 SODERN — France
- Rapporteur
- Kate Becker 
 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — United States
B1.4. Earth Observation Data Management Systems
Focus is on Earth Observation related data processing and systems. Emphasis is on the challenges of new information technology and web-based technologies (e.g. Big Data, Cloud-based operations, crowd sourcing, etc) for acquisition, communication, processing, dissemination and archiving systems. The session also covers innovative methods for the extraction of information from these large data systems (e.g. machine learning) and methods for making the results available to decision makers. Presentation of International coordination and programmes - on Earth Observation data -related systems - is also encouraged.
- Co-Chair
- Gunter Schreier 
 Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR) — Germany- James Graf 
 Jet Propulsion Laboratory — United States
- Rapporteur
- Annamaria Nassisi 
 Thales Alenia Space Italia — Italy
B1.5. Earth Observation Applications, Societal Challenges and Economic Benefits
Focus is on using Earth Observation data to generate value-added products and services for meeting societal challenges or addressing new commercial approaches. Presentation of algorithms, processing chains and services including consideration of cost investments and economic and societal benefits, especially leveraging innovative approaches such as web-based technologies, AI and machine learning, optimized satellite systems and vertical service integrations are encouraged.
- Co-Chair
- Masami Onoda 
 Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) — Japan- Na Yao 
 Qian Xuesen Laboratory of Space Technology, China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) — China
- Rapporteur
- Wolfgang Rathgeber 
 European Space Agency (ESA) — France- Annamaria Nassisi 
 Thales Alenia Space Italia — Italy
B1.6. 21st Anniversary of the Disaster Charter: History, Status and Future of this Powerful and Productive International Cooperation
The Disaster Charter, through its 20-year history, has been an outstanding success. Session focus is on Charter history, current status and the future. Presentations are encouraged which involve case studies, success stories, history of the formation and early years, current status of operations, analysis of what has worked and why, challenges, plans and recommendations for the future.
- Co-Chair
- Harry A. Cikanek 
 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — United States- Elizabeth Seward 
 British Interplanetary Society — United Kingdom
- Rapporteur
- Charles Wooldridge 
 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — United States- Albert DeGarmo 
 NOAA — United States
B1.IP. Interactive Presentations - IAF EARTH OBSERVATION SYMPOSIUM
This session offers a unique opportunity to deliver your key messages in an interactive presentation on any of the subjects of Earth Observation addressed in the classic Sessions. The presentation will be displayed on a digital screen in a dedicated location and available for view by all Congress attendees for the entire Congress week. In addition, one afternoon is dedicated exclusively for the attendees to view the Interactive Presentations, and the author will be assigned a specific ten minute slot to personally present the topic and interact with the attendees present. The Interactive Presentation may take advantage of all electronic display capabilities, such as: PowerPoint charts, embedded hot links, pictures, audio and video clips etc. An award will also be presented to the author of the best Interactive Presentation in the B Category at a special ceremony. An Abstract that follows the standard format must be submitted by the deadline for standard IAC abstracts.
- Co-Chair
- Andrew Court 
 TNO — The Netherlands- Harry A. Cikanek 
 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — United States
