Space-borne Remote Sensing Data Capabilities To Support Safeguards Needs

Over two-past decade, the experience gained from the analysis of space-borne remote sensing data and moreover the new capabilities and associated technologies has significantly benefited the enhanced safeguards system. Space-borne remote sensing data (also known as has satellite imagery) has become a key source of “other relevant information”, contributing to the ability of the IAEA to increase the effectiveness of safeguards implementation, increase confidence in safeguards conclusions, and led to more soundly based decision making. Hundreds of earth observation space-borne sensors currently in orbit are capable of measuring electromagnetic energy that is either emitted or reflected from the Earth's surface or its atmosphere. Such measurement enables the IAEA to detect and assess ongoing activity, to characterize different type of materials or soils, to recognize or identify specific features, to count items, etc. Space-based earth observation is undergoing a revolution, with an unprecedented fleet of sensors recently put into orbit or ready to be launched and covering evermore of the electro-magnetic spectrum. This revolution open-up new perspectives to enhance Safeguards implementation at the IAEA, and will subsequently unveil new challenges regarding data (geospatial) management.