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2015 – Surface Imaging – Snapshot

The number of surface imaging satellites launched continued to grow in 2015. The sub-category dominated the greater category of Earth observation and remote sensing satellites launched in 2015, taking a nearly 72% share. The majority of surface imaging satellites literally provide a picture of Earth, and changes upon its surface, at any given time, using electronic and optical imaging payloads.

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2015 – Meteorology – Snapshot

Weather and environmental satellites help humans understand and predict the atmospheric conditions of the Earth. National governments traditionally run these constellations, providing data for weather forecasting, climate modeling, and more. Weather agencies also provide data about life-threatening storms to other nations, increasing the ability of those nations to evacuate areas predicted to be hit by the storms. Slightly less than 4% of all spacecraft launched in 2015 had a meteorological or environmental mission.

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2015 – PNT Ground Networks – Snapshot

The current U.S. Global Positioning System (GPS) ground control segment consists of a variety of ground antennas, monitor stations, and Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) Remote Tracking Stations. The 16 monitoring stations, including those owned by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and 12 command and control antennas, are all operated by the master control station in Colorado, or the alternate master control station in California.

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