Igor Moric

Princeton University

Zoom link: https://mit.zoom.us/j/93348435755

Abstract:

There are now more than 4,000 operational man-made satellites in orbit, and it is estimated that this number could rise to 50,000 within the next 10 years. Among these are a large number of Earth observation satellites operated by private companies from around the world. The rise of satellite imagery providers is fueled by advancements of technology, increased demand for data, and cheaper space launches. New systems have significantly improved capabilities in terms of ground resolution and persistence of coverage and most importantly, their data is available to the public. Based on my paper on “Capabilities of Commercial Satellite Earth Observation Systems and Applications for Nuclear Verification and Monitoring,” the talk will examine major currently operational observation constellations, present a simulation of their coverage over territories of states with nuclear programs, and explore some applications for nuclear verification and monitoring.

Bio:

Igor Moric is a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Program on Science and Global Security (SGS) at Princeton University. Prior to joining Princeton, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher on the MIMAC and PandaX dark matter detectors at Tsinghua University in Beijing and SJTU in Shanghai, respectively. During his PhD at CNES and Paris Sorbonne he worked on characterization and optimization of the space atomic clock PHARAO. He also holds an advanced master in “Space Systems Engineering” from ISAE-SUPAERO in Toulouse.