New geostationary satellite to monitor ocean temperatures
Last updated: 5:15 AM TCT | 08/10/2017
A multinational project headed by Cadenzan scientists has launched its second research satellite, MOST-2, from Ruh Barb Space Centre into a geostationary transfer orbit. It joins MOST-1, which entered orbit over the Sea of Jajich in May 2016, and over the next three days will assume a position over the eastern Mare Ferum at the equator.
The MOST project, which stands for Marine Observation Satellite, monitors ocean salinity and Sea Surface Temperature (SST), regarded by its members as key indicators for climate change. Project leaders hope to put a third satellite into orbit in mid-2018, to monitor the ocean between Bungussi and Jenrak, as part of a growing network of climate change-oriented monitoring systems.
"Climate change is an urgent threat to coastal communities across Astyria, not just in Trellin," says Azmiri coastal engineer Khal Toreq, "but it's hard to formulate an effective response if you can't measure that threat. Projects like MOST are essential for preparing and preventing catastrophe."
Scientists from across the empire contributed to the numerous systems on-board, led by members of the Berúna Institute of Engineering, Cadenzan Meteorological Institute and National Maritime Institute at Canve. Aside from one or two components, the satellite was manufactured in Medlar, testimony to Kur'zhet's growing 'space industry' as the larger of Trellin's two island protectorates attempts to steer its economy out of the dirtier industries that have been its mainstay.
The launching contract was won by Kur'zheti firm Launchbox, who beat out competitors from Arimathea, Namija and further afield to give Ruh Barb Space Centre only its third launch of the year. The multi-billion fioren facility has seen only occasional use, but its administrators believe the future is bright for the Kur'zheti space industry, with several launches already lined up for next year. The space centre has been courting potential clients from across Astyria and hopes to reap rich rewards in coming years.
Government commentators have claimed the satellite as a victory for the environmentalist campaign of Queen Azara, but scientists have noted that this project has been in development since 2013. "'It fits in splendidly with the government agenda,' that's what everyone's saying. But we received tenders from our launch partners in January 2015, long before Mahrim had even abdicated," says Doctor Marzha ti'Fineq of the Cadenzan Meteorological Institute, dismissive of suggestions that the project is motivated by imperial policy changes. "Really, it's about time government caught up with the scientific realities."
Teredi Vondan
Ruh Barb