NASA man backs firm’s satellite plan
Station gets green light after doc’s support
Council officials have approved a start-up company’s application to create a new satellite ground station in Perthshire - after it was backed by an oceanographer working for NASA.
Dundee Satellite Station Ltd. asked Perth and Kinross Council for permission to put four tracking antennas plus another fixed position antenna on a disused runway at Errol Aerodrome late last year.
Town planners Keir and Co explained in supporting papers the station would act as a replacement for facilities formerly based at the University of Dundee.
They said: “The proposal will enable DSS Ltd to quickly establish an operational ground station at Errol Aerodrome and identify where investment in new equipment and upgrades are required.
“A number of organisations that previously used the DSRS facility have indicated that they will renew their relationship with the new facility at Errol Aerodrome.
“DSS Ltd have also identified potential opportunities (commercial and research) that they will be able to support through a new ground station at Errol Aerodrome.”
Now planning officials have approved the application under delegated powers after the application attracted supporting comments from Dr Gene Carl Feldman, an oceanographer who has worked for NASA for over 30 years.
He told PKC: “For those that may not know, the Dundee Station and its incredibly dedicated and skilled team was one of the most reliable, diligent and scientifically valuable receiving stations that NASA collaborated with during the 13 year life of the SeaWiFS mission.
“Through this collaboration, Dundee collected nearly 10,000 high resolution SeaWiFS passes between September 1997 through December 2010 that would not have been available by any other means.
“These images filled a critical role in NASA’s global mission to understand our planet and how it is changing and in particular for the oceans, to monitor for the first time the biological consequences of that change.
“Not only did NASA benefit from our collaboration with Dundee but countless local and regional studies benefited through direct interactions between the Dundee Station and scientists.
“The Dundee Station and, more importantly, the amazingly talented folks who operated it, have earned a worldwide reputation of excellence and have brought nothing but respect and admiration for their efforts and by association to Scotland itself.
“The opportunity is in the council’s hands to continue that legacy and to continue to bring honor and respect to Scotland.
“To deny this application would be to turn your backs on what has been proven to succeed in the face of obstacles and to get the job done no matter what.
“They are not a group that focuses on hype and promises but are dedicated to delivering results.
“There is nothing that speaks to the character of what Scotland and its people are known for than what has been accomplished by this plucky little group of dedicated individuals.
“They are wonderful ambassadors for your country and for the talent that you possess.”
PKC officials said in their report of handling: “The site is on existing hardstanding at Errol Airfield and adjacent to existing light industrial units, the closest building being [a] sawmill to the east.
“While the antennas will be visible features in the predominantly flat landscape, they are appropriately sited within an existing industrial area, with an established bund to the west to screen the development from the nearest public road.
“The proposal is therefore considered to comply with … relevant policies.”