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Observing animals from space – thanks to mini transmitters

#animal observation #mini transmitter #space travel

Using the space-based observation system Icarus, scientists want to track the movements of animals – and thus find out more about the behavior of various species on Earth.

Drawing of an animal horde in nature

A group of researchers led by Martin Wikelski from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Constance, Germany, hope to use the Icarus space-based observation system to find out more about the life of animals on Earth. For this purpose, the researchers are fitting various animal species with mini transmitters that send the data they measure to an antenna on the ISS. Over the next few years, several tens of thousands of animals are to be fitted with transmitters. Among other things, the scientists will investigate the routes on which the animals migrate, the conditions under which they live, and how they can best be protected.

Icarus (International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space) also involves the cooperation of the Russian space agency Roskosmos and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

Written by: sda / dpa

Photos: keystone

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April 29th, 2024
the new robot can mimic the softness of materials

Robot reproduces the softness of materials

A new robot can precisely mimic the softness of various materials. In future, medical students could use it to practise detecting malignant tumours or researchers could feel the softness of an object in space.
May 6th, 2024
PEBE

Are CO2 absorbers the saviors of the climate crisis?

In the fight against climate change, gigatons of carbon dioxide will have to be removed from the atmosphere over the course of the century - using so-called carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies are giving people new hope.
June 12th, 2024
pedestrians at a zebra crossing

New car camera detects pedestrians 100 times faster

A new type of car camera recognises obstacles 100 times faster than previous driver assistance systems. In future, this technology should help to brake cars in good time if a pedestrian suddenly runs into the road.
August 5th, 2024
Pedestrians walk on planks across a flooded square in Switzerland.

Climate change causes global economy to shrink significantly

According to a new forecast, the global economy is at risk of shrinking by around a fifth by the middle of the century due to climate change.
August 19th, 2024