UNITAR Signs MoU with BlackSky Ensuring Future Satellite Constellation can Benefit UN and Developing Countries through UNOSAT

28 April 2016, Geneva, Switzerland - UNITAR has signed a collaboration agreement with BlackSky Global, a new provider of satellite imagery aiming to launch a 60-satellite constellation of earth observation satellites in orbit starting this year. The Memorandum of Understanding includes joint work on research and innovative applications of satellite imagery, as well as training and capacity development towards developing countries. Thematic areas covered in the collaboration includes humanitarian relief and early recovery, climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, cultural heritage and environmental monitoring and sustainable development.

When the constellation is fully launched, scheduled for 2018, it will provide 40 to 70 daily revisits, covering 90% of the world’s populated areas, see figure below. “The combination of detailed 1 meter resolution imagery with frequent revisit times and near real-time delivery will open new applications areas and further strengthen existing services we provide to the UN family and developing countries”, says UNOSAT manager Einar Bjorgo. “Our focus is in particular on the poorest countries as well as on Small Island Developing States, fully in line with the new development agenda and Sustainable Development Goals”, he continues.

BlackSky image

Partnerships with the private sector has formed an integral part of UNOSAT’s operations since the very beginning 15 years ago. By combining the latest earth observation technologies with knowledge of needs among sister agencies and UN member states, UNOSAT contributes to putting to good use the high volume of data becoming increasingly available. “We need to ensure Big Data is converted into Big Impact” Bjorgo states. The MoU with BlackSky will further contribute to that goal.

Unitar Around the World