Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Installation of an X-band RECeiving station at the Italian ANTArctic Base "Mario Zucchelli".  (XRECANTA)

Outline
The satellite receiving station operating at the Italian Base "Mario Zucchelli" at Terra Nova Bay, Ross Sea, consists of two L- and S-band TeraScan (www.seaspace.com) systems which perform acquisition and real-time processing of NOAA and DMSP images (SeaWiFS images are also captured). We propose the installation of a new X-band TeraScan system for the acquisition and real-time processing of MODIS images from NASA-EOS satellites. The new system is really needed as in few years the new family of NPOESS satellites is going to substitute NOAA and DMSP. The X-band system will also be able to capture images of TerraSAR-X satellite and of the constellation of Cosmo SkyMed satellites which will be launched by ASI, the Italian Space Agency, in the near future.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The X-band system will provide high-quality images in the optical and microwave channels. These images are extremely important for several teams of PNRA (National Program for Antarctic Research), in particular: meteorology, oceanography and marine biology

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Several research projects, which will benefit from the availability of satellite imagery, have already well established international collaborations. An intense collaboration is already going on between the Remote Sensing team of the Italian Base and the corresponding teams at McMurdo and Palmer Stations (U.S.).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The Italian Base is located at 74.5S 164E. The area of interest is Terra Nova Bay and, in general, the entire Ross Sea.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: 10/06 - 02/07      10/07 - 02/08      

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
All logistic support will be provided by the facilities of the Italian Base "Mario Zucchelli".

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will leave an operating X-band receiving station to provide satellite imagery of the new generation satellites.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
It received a "verbal endorsement" by the Director of Consorzio PNRA Ing. Cucinotta.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New
Yes, it is part of PNRA, the Italian National Program for Antarctic Research.

How will the project be organised and managed?
It will be managed by the Consorzio PNRA which already manages all the operations of the Italian Antarctic Program.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Since the early years PNRA has paid a special attention to EOC issues. Satellite imagery represents an excellent tool for the dissemination of a "polar culture".

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
PNRA will take care of the data of this project as it does for the data of all research projects.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project is part of a more general PNRA Project "Meteo-Climatological Observatories in Antarctica" and it will be funded through this project.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
No

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Flavio Parmiggiani
via Gobetti 101, Bologna


40129
Italy

Tel: +39051 639 8009
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Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information