The aim of this study is to analyse the value chain of the space sector from launching to final data processing including satellite, payload and ground segment. Additionally, it will provide a parametrisation of costs of the Earth Observation (EO) at LEO compared to other more conventional imaging sources.

It is within the means of many nations to conduct or participate in cost-effective Earth observation missions. This study provides a definition of cost-effective Earth observation missions and information about background material and organizational support. It discusses cost drivers and provides advice on achieving cost-effective missions and discusses training and education. The conclusions and recommendations range from more general factors, which drive the small satellite mission activities, to visions of future cost-effective Earth observation missions. Complementary to large complex missions, small satellite missions have specific advantages: more frequent missions opportunities and therefore faster return of science and application data, a larger variety of missions and greater diversification of potential users; more rapid expansion of the technical and/or scientific knowledge base; greater involvement of local and small industry. This volume will prove to be a useful source of information to governments, space agencies, academia, and industry.

The principal aim of this thesis is to study through qualitative and quantitative analysis, the future perspectives of the Micro/Nanosatellitesconstellations in the Earth observation market. The objective of doing the qualitative analysis is to identify and study in detailseveral companies that are designing commercial Micro/Nano-satellite constellation to fulfil the needs of the Earth Observation market in order to have an overall perspective of where the sector is going. Once the qualitative analysis has been made and the main interesting parameters of micro/nanosatellite constellation are found, we will run the quantitative analysis. With the performance of this analysis,we are able to determine if the expectations of the companiesof the performance of the constellations are realistic or not. To determine the feasibility of theseparameters, they will be compared with the resultsobtained by implementing a specific case in the SaVi software.

The Earth Observation and Remote Sensing market is one of the most dynamic sectors of the commercial space industry. Once reserved for nation-state sponsored space programs, today scores of private companies are investing in commercial satellite constellations and changing the way Earth observation imagery and data are delivered. This short primer provides the reader with a comprehensive, yet readily digestible, overview of the space based geospatial intelligence industry. It includes a detailed look at the historical development, principle technologies, market forces and pioneering companies that are offering organizations without in orbit capabilities of their own, a private view from space.

An average of 8 million tonnes of plastics enter the ocean each year. This the-sis means to identify solutions to some of the needs for an Ocean Cleanup Organisation using Earth observation satellites in low orbits. The study analyses several organisations in the sector and the current State of the Art of Earth observation used for marine activities. An estimation of the require-ments and costs for these potential missions has been evaluated, concluding that these organisations cannot afford the whole mission's cost. The objective of the thesis is to give basic information for planning on how to start using Earth observation for these organisations. This project also includes a preliminary study of a value-cost model on satellite missions, and an extrapolationof the study into other markets. The technology used by them is in its early stages, but innovative ideas are emerging. Improving satellite imagery for detecting marine debris is required. At this moment, a combination with aerial imagery may seem the best option in terms of costs and technology.

The book focuses on the topic of trends and challenges with regards to satellite-based earth observation. Contributors include legal experts in the field and representatives from institutions such as the European Space Agency, the European Space Policy Institute, academia and the private sector.