You may have seen in the news recently that NASA sent a spacecraft capable of carrying hu-mans back to the moon. On November 16, 2022, the Artemis I spacecraft lifted off from Cape Canaveral to return to the celestial body where we as a nation left our last footprints 50 years ago.
The Apollo 17 mission, in December of 1972, was the swan song of NASA’s Apollo program. It is astronaut Gene Cernan who still holds the distinction of being the last person to walk on the moon. Hopefully, history and programs like Artemis will change that in the next couple of years. If we’re reminiscing about space milestones, we must recognize another historic space program that also dates back to 1972. This program changed how we look at planet Earth and the agricultural system that feeds the people that inhabit it.
After the cancellation of the Apollo program in the 1970’s, NASA pivoted to focus its efforts back to missions that would serve humanity and planet Earth itself. One of those missions also recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The program was called Landsat and it revolutionized what it means to monitor agriculture, analyze crop conditions and estimate crop yields on a global scale.
As of January 2022 there were over 1,000 satellites in orbit that fall into the category of Earth observation. Earth selfies have gone so mainstream that in many cases they are now free. Google Earth is probably the best known free eye-in-the-sky example. Admit it, what farmer doesn’t want to take a look at their own farm from space — or don’t tell anybody, their neighbor’s farm — all the while browsing from the comfort of their favorite easy chair. Sure beats sitting on those un-comfortable ones down at the FSA office.
Don’t let the free selfies fool you.
Earth observation imagery and data services is an enormous business. According to a Straits Research report, in 2021 the global satellite Earth observation market was valued at $3.58 billion. By 2030, it is projected to more than double at $7.88 billion.
Given what is trending today in economics, society and politics, the industry may hit those numbers much sooner.
First, we had a global pandemic that impacted production and supply chains around the globe. It was Earth observation satellites watching the disruptions in the fields, factories and shipping ports as the Covid-19 lockdowns spread from country to country.
Second, when Russia invaded Ukraine it put the bounty of the “Breadbasket of Europe” at extreme risk. Losses of both production and actual commodity exports have sent societal shock-waves far beyond Kiev and Moscow. Because of satellite imagery we know about one-third of Ukraine’s current corn crop may not be harvested. We will also know the status of whether the grain that was harvested ever makes it on a boat and makes it out of the Black Sea to Lebanon or Egypt. Otherwise, we will watch a global humanitarian crisis unfold before our eyes.
Finally, you have subject of climate change. Translated to government and corporate business speak, that means using the three letter acronym ESG. For us common laymen, that’s short for Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance. ESG criteria is basically a set of standards that serves as sustainability “scorecards” for governments and corporations. Remotely sensed Earth observation is key to monitoring environmental criteria (the “E” in ESG) including identifying sources of water pollution and measuring progress toward sustainability. Farmer translated, the “eyes-in-the-sky” now know whether or not you planted your cover crop for your carbon credit.
From a technology and timing standpoint, satellite imagery is basking in its moment in the sun. Dramatically reduced launch costs thanks to private vendors like Space X, the miniaturization of satellites like Planet’s groundbreaking shoebox-sized “Doves”, plus quantum leaps in cloud computing and artificial intelligence are propelling the earth observation business to deliver capabilities that are far better, faster and cheaper than even just five years ago.
What is becoming clear is that Earth observation satellite technology and related services are quickly extending its lead in the imagery horserace between satellites and drones.
In what seemed like a close race just a few short years ago, satellites have pulled ahead partly because of onerous FAA regulations that have grounded most advancements in agricultural related drone technology. Plus, you can cover a lot more ground at 400 miles up than you can at a maximum altitude of 400 feet.
There are so many names, both new and old, in this space it is hard to keep track of them all. Names like Pixxel, Iceye, Orbital Insight and Planet Watchers are considered the new kids on the block. In particular, Planet Watchers, is noteworthy because of its AI capabilities in estimating crop losses and crop yields. They have already lined up clients ranging from ProAg crop insurance, Nutrien Ag Solutions, The World Bank, and even the EPA.
Tomorrow’s demands for a close eye on agriculture and the health of the planet are likely to only grow.
Plus, every farmer knows that Mother Nature does not rest. Droughts, floods, and derechos are part of the annual song and dance. Add supply chain hiccups and carbon credit verification to the mix and you’ve got a lot more high altitude picture snapping to do.
To appreciate how important Landsat’s technology is, you must consider what also happened in 1972. Ironically, Landsat was launched on the heels of the Soviet Union’s greatest grain crop failure. Although the crop failure was widespread throughout the USSR, the sheer magnitude of the shortfall remained unknown to U.S. governmental officials until months later. The lack of timely global production estimates lead to the USSR being able to purchase massive quantities of U.S. wheat at substantially lower prices than the true market value.
It became known as the great Soviet grain robbery. The Kremlin bought one-fourth of the United State’s wheat harvest in 1972. Domestically, farm prices and consumer food prices skyrocketed. Was this the match that lit the fire of runaway inflation for years to come? That’s one for the eco-nomic and political pundits to debate until the cows come home. Such a global grain failure will not be hidden in darkness like that ever again. With 1,000 eyes-in-the-sky, we can now count every cow and every corn plant in every county, country, and continent in the world. Imagine what might be possible in fifty more years.
