Popular News in 2017, as Seen From Space
This year we saw no shortage of newsworthy events. From floods to ‘superblooms’ to missile tests, 2017 was a year full of moments that changed people’s lives and amazed viewers. Many of these moments were seen by satellites in space, which provided a unique perspective and helped people better respond and understand the physical aspects of these events.
Planet makes its imagery available to news organizations, NGOs, and first responders, and below we’ve collected imagery of the most impactful events of 2017, as seen from space (we’ve linked to news articles that feature these stories in the subheads).
The Rain’s Impact on California Reservoirs
Heavy runoff refills California’s 11th largest reservoir, Folsom Lake, after an extreme drought forced it to its lowest levels ever.
Disputes in the South China Sea
China’s continued reclamation of shoals and islands in the disputed South China Sea remains a point of interest for neighboring countries and the U.S.
Tracking Kim Jong Un in North Korea
In this graphic and description from the Washington Post, analysts at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at Middlebury Institute of International Studies spotted a plane at a remote runway near a nuclear testing testing site in North Korea — a potential indicator of Kim Jong Un’s visit to view an upcoming test.
California’s Super Bloom
The brightly colored California ‘super bloom’ was so spectacular we could see it from space, and it captivated audiences across the world.
A Show of Force in DPRK
One of North Korea’s many military parades, hosted by leader Kim Jong Un, was so large the event’s date could be seen in satellite imagery.
China’s First Domestic-Made Aircraft Carrier
China commissioned its first domestically-made aircraft carrier, a display of continued investment in military technology.
Apple Campus
Apple’s new ‘spaceship’ campus took shape in Cupertino, California.
Tesla Gigafactory
Tesla’s Gigafactory — where the electric carmaker’s batteries are produced — neared completion as the company ramps up production of its mass-marketed Model 3.
Planet’s Flock 2k Launch, From Space
Planet made its own bit of news when a Dove satellite captured the launch of a Soyuz rocket from the legendary Baikonour Cosmodrome. The rocket had 48 of Planet’s Dove satellites aboard — for a completely meta satellites-imaging-satellites moment.
The Battle for Mosul
The BBC documented the ‘Battle for Mosul’ and its toll on the city. The year-long conflict to take the city back from ISIS ended in 2017 and left the ancient city in ruins
Burning Man, Again
Burning Man’s Playa took shape in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada.
Hurricane Harvey
The city of Houston was struck by Hurricane Harvey, a category 3 storm that inflicted almost $200 billion in damages and resulted in numerous fatalities. Satellite imagery was used to document the destruction and deploy aid.
North Korea Nuclear Testing
North Korea seized headlines with its sixth nuclear test, which resulted in landslides on their surrounding hillsides.
Modern-day Gold Rush in Peru
Planet R&D power user Amazon Conservation Association tracked destructive deforestation efforts in a modern-day gold rush in the Peruvian Amazon.
Rohingya Refugee Crisis
Rapid growth of camps was documented as Rohingya refugees fled Myanmar and set up makeshift living quarters in Bangladesh.
To see the latest news from space follow Planet on twitter and subscribe to our Medium publication. Have a Happy New Year and we’ll see you in 2018.
