United Kingdom set to host ISRSE-40 in 2025

Alongside inaugural Farnborough International Space Show

The United Kingdom will host the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE-40). This prestigious event will occur at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre in Hampshire from March 17 to March 21, 2025.

The symposium will run concurrently with the inaugural Farnborough International Space Show, a groundbreaking event poised to usher in a new era of commercial space exploration.

The International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment, convened every two years since its inception in 1962, is a premier global forum for experts to disseminate and discuss critical advances in remote sensing technology.

The symposium is a pivotal platform for exchanging cutting-edge knowledge to enhance environmental protection and address global challenges.

Global partners

ISRSE-40 will involve diverse international agencies, including NASA and the European Space Agency, alongside leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

These participants are united by a shared commitment to advancing remote sensing technologies and the crucial data analysis needed for practical Earth observation and space applications.

The symposium’s theme is ‘Synergy in Sight: Harnessing Earth Observation for Sustainable Development.’ This focus highlights the importance of integrating scientific and technological disciplines to foster sustainability. The event will also strongly emphasise nurturing the next generation of space sector professionals.

Organised by the International Committee for Remote Sensing of Environment (ICORSE), ISRSE-40 will be held alongside the Farnborough International Space Show 2025. This co-location will stimulate collaboration and innovation within remote sensing, Earth observation, and the broader space sector.

The combined events will give attendees unique opportunities to engage with cutting-edge developments and contribute to advancing technology and research in these fields.

The event is a product of a strategic partnership between several UK-based organisations, including Farnborough International, the National Centre for Earth Observation, and Space South Central.

These entities are set to collaborate with ICORSE to drive international cooperation, foster innovation, and tackle critical global issues such as climate change, resource management, and disaster response.

UK space sector boost

The UK space industry, which has seen remarkable growth, will benefit significantly from hosting ISRSE-40.

According to figures from the ADS Group, the sector now directly employs 48,800 individuals, supports 2,300 apprentices, and achieved a turnover of £17.5 billion in 2022. Space-related exports contributed £5.9 billion to the UK economy in the same year. The industry’s rapid expansion underscores the importance of events like ISRSE-40 in maintaining the UK’s leadership role in global space activities.

John Latham, President of the International Centre for Remote Sensing of the Environment, commented on the announcement: “Hosting ISRSE-40 represents a pivotal moment for the UK to reaffirm its leadership in the global space community. This symposium will address today’s pressing challenges and inspire innovative solutions for the future.”

Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, added: “We are honoured to host this monumental event alongside the Farnborough International Space Show. The UK, particularly Farnborough, has been pioneering new technologies and forging impactful relationships for decades. This event provides an invaluable opportunity to cement further the UK’s position as a global space sector leader.”

Steve Volz from NOAA Federal added: “NOAA is highly impressed with the scope and depth of the UK’s proposal to host ISRSE-40. The increasing demand for critical Earth observations and remote sensing data to address climate change, manage natural resources, and respond to natural hazards highlights the importance of this symposium.

“ISRSE-40 will be a vital forum for advancing innovation through enhanced collaboration across scientific, applied, and commercial sectors.”

Featured image: The Gulf of Mexico photographed from the International Space Station orbiting the southern United States. Credit: NASA