A new $10 million NASA grant will make Mississippi State a national center for remote sensing research.

Remote sensing uses space-based satellites and airborne platforms to capture and transmit data about the Earth. Images created from the data help scientists monitor forests and land use, make agricultural decisions, and analyze land-based systems such as railroads and highways.

In 1997, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration provided $500,000 for MSU to become the Southern Remote Sensing Research and Training Center. Since then, the university has become a leader in the emerging technology, especially as it applies to precision agriculture and forest management.

The newly designated Applied Remote Sensing Center of Excellence "will expand and focus the university's basic and applied research in the areas in which it excels," said Robert A. Altenkirch, vice president for research. He praised Sens. Trent Lott and Thad Cochran, along with Rep. Chip Pickering, for their support in securing the appropriations. [All R-Miss.]

"In the future, remote sensing could be a $5-to-10 billion business with Mississippi playing a key role in the growth, development, and commercial aspects of this innovative industry," Pickering said of the latest NASA grant.

The new center will focus on agriculture, forestry and wildlife, and transportation, with cross-emphases on computational modeling and workforce development.

The effectiveness of remote sensing depends on the correct interpretation of data. To that end, MSU's expertise in computational modeling and scientific visualization will support the increased efforts in remote sensing research and teaching.