Legal Considerations for Data Processing From Outer Space Through Remote Sensing

Abstract

In the context of Earth observation, remote sensing typically involves the use of satellites equipped with sensors that capture data across various electromagnetic spectra, including visible light, infrared, or radio waves.® Satellites are either equipped with passive sensors, which capture sunlight from the Earth's surface, or active sensors, which send signals to Earth, such as radar or Light Detection and Ranging, and measure the radiation that is reflected back." Furthermore, Al enhances the precision and efficiency of satellite operations by prioritizing data collection and guiding satellites to focus on areas of interest. ?· For example, AI can analyze low-resolution imagery to detect changes and then direct satellites to capture high-resolution images of those regions." Specifically, the UN Principles define remote sensing as, "the sensing of the Earth's surface from space by making use of the properties of electromagnetic waves emitted, reflected or diffracted by the sensed objects, for the purpose of improving natural resources management, land use and the protection of the environment?" The UN Principles group the information processed through remote sensing into three groups"! 1. [...]sensing states are required to provide processed and analysed data to sensed states as promptly as possible if they may be affected by natural disasters." [...]states are encouraged to maximize the benefits available from remote sensing activities by establishing and operating data collection and storage stations and processing and interpretation facilities, through regional agreements and arrangements."