#41: Improving the Adoption of Earth Observation Data with Daniel Wicks, Satellite Applications Catapult

TerraWatch Space Podcast

Today, I am speaking with Daniel Wicks, head of geospatial intelligence at Satellite Applications Catapult in the UK. Satellite Applications Catapult is an entity set up by the UK, and is one of nine Catapults, aimed at building innovation and driving economic growth.

I was interested to speak with Dan because I believe the organisation is doing important work in being the bridge between the satellite data producers, which is Earth observation industry and the rest of the world, who are the users of the data. I also wanted to dive deep into the challenges in using satellite data today and things that needs to be done to make EO mainstream.

In this episode, we discuss the state of adoption of Earth observation, the pilot project problem, importance of standards and interoperability, whether the Catapult-model can scale around the world and more.

- Dan's LinkedIn

- Satellite Applications Catapult

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01:08: Intro

01:54: About Satellite Applications Catapult and their work in Earth observation

03:13: State of EO and the adoption of satellite data

09:48: What's going on in the UK EO ecosystem?

14:20: The "pilot project problem" in EO

17:16: Data availability, standards, interoperability

24:40: The role of space agencies and Catapult-like entities in pushing the adoption of satellite data

31:05: Similarities with weather and the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach

34:14: The outlook for EO and key markets

39:37: Wrap-up