An MoU is signed between Institute of Remote Sensing and Digital Earth (RADI), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Institute of Vision on Technology (VITO), Belgium on April 29 in Mol, Belgium for satellite quicklook data exchange cooperation.

Prof. Liu Jianbo, Deputy Director of RADI signed the MoU on behalf of RADI with Prof. Dirk Fransaer, Managing Director of VITO during his visit to Belgium from April 27-30.

According to the MoU, RADI will provide a Virtual Ground Station (SatSee System), along with three satellites quicklook data service, to VITO, and VITO will provide PROBA-V satellite quicklook data to RADI.  

RADI initiated and developed a system called SatSee. It is able to provide users with near real-time, full resolution quicklook images of remote sensing satellite data. SatSee system combines the various advantages that RADI has in the field of satellite remote sensing, including the abundant satellites RADI receives, wide coverage area of its station net, high-speed fiber link between station and processing center, and high computing capacities. The data supported by SatSee now are Chinese HJ-1A, HJ-1B (more will be added soon) and USA Landsat-8. Through the quicklook data exchange, RADI and VITO can not only quickly access satellite data from each other, but also get the satellite data promoted to third party through SatSee quicklook data service. With more data available and quicker, easier access, this service mode is expected to contribute to some emergency monitoring needs.  

PROBA-V is a small satellite initiated by ESA and Belspo, with 100 m resolution at nadir, 350 m on full field of view, bands specially designed for vegetation monitoring. VITO is responsible for its data processing and user segment operation.

HJ-1A and HJ-1B are Chinese small satellites with 30 m resolution and 720 km swath.

The RADI-VITO MoU being signed.

The SatSee system displaying PROBA-V satellite quicklook in VITO