How space-based thermal sensors will help us manage a warming, water-scarce planet
The European Space Agency is developing the Copernicus Land Surface Temperature Monitoring mission to track Earth's heat from orbit. By providing high-resolution thermal data, this project aims to help farmers and policymakers combat the intensifying effects of climate change, such as severe droughts and crop failure.
The LSTM mission is one of six new Copernicus Sentinel Expansion projects currently under development by the European Space Agency for the European Union. It will utilize a sophisticated thermal infrared sensor to monitor land-surface temperatures with high spatial and temporal resolution.
This data is essential for addressing land degradation and managing water resources more effectively. By improving our ability to predict droughts and monitor agricultural productivity, the mission seeks to support sustainable farming in an era of increasing climate variability and water scarcity.
