Earth observation (EO) satellite data is increasingly vital for achieving the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These satellites offer high-frequency, extensive datasets that enhance environmental monitoring, ecosystem health assessment, and natural resource management.
A study from Tsinghua University highlights the growing use of EO data, particularly from Sentinel, Landsat, and MODIS satellites, in driving climate action (SDG 13) and biodiversity conservation (SDG 15). Publications related to EO satellite data surged from 45,673 in 2020 to 59,703 in 2023. Sentinel data saw a significant increase, with related publications rising from 2,702 in 2020 to 7,231 in 2023. China has surpassed the United States in EO satellite data research output.
In other news, Spire Global has initiated legal proceedings against Kpler for failing to finalize the acquisition of Spire's commercial ship-tracking business. The deal, valued at $233.5 million, was intended to bolster Spire's financial stability. Spire Global filed a complaint in the Delaware Court of Chancery after Kpler declined to proceed with the transaction. Spire Global planned to use the funds to reduce debt and invest in its weather, aviation, and radio frequency geolocation data businesses.
Spire Global also faces potential delisting from the NYSE due to delays in submitting financial reports, stemming from a review of accounting practices related to hosted payload services. The company is seeking an extension to submit the filings by late February or early March.