Satellite project helps monitor Med

(ANSA)- Rome, June 28 - Italian space technology experts on Tuesday presented a Mediterranean surveillance project they have developed by integrating satellite systems with operative units.
    The Closeye project, set up by the Italian Space Agency (ASI) with the Navy, the Interior Ministry, and the support of Leonardo Finmeccanica, aims to provide the European Union with an innovative technology system for monitoring the southern maritime borders of the union and improving the ability to react to emergencies.
    The earth observation system Cosmo SkyMed collects images and the Athena-Fidus satellite transmits elaborated data using software that can recognise different types of sea vessels from space, including those used for illegal migration or trafficking of goods.
    "The strong point of this project is the word integrated," said ASI President Roberto Battiston, adding that it could serve as a "prototype for what needs to become tomorrow a possibility to supply integrated services that take advantage of the capacities we have, in the sea, on earth and in space, to manage the migratory emergency we are experiencing in Europe, also in a preventative way," he said.
    The project has been running for a few years and will soon be part of a new European project due to be launched shortly.