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When to harvest is crucial for winemakers. However, global warming is affecting this decision, with wine-growing regions in France experiencing changes in seasons, the emergence of plant diseases, and altered rain patterns. To adapt, winemakers are turning to satellite technology. Startups like Ticinum Aerospace and TerraNIS are using granular data from satellites to track the progress and health of vines, enabling them to harvest the right grapes at the right moment.

This technology is not only benefiting winemakers but could also play a critical role in adapting agriculture in general. With malnutrition rates increasing due to global warming, extreme weather events, and declining nutrient levels, satellite sensor technology can help manage fields based on free Earth-observation data about crop disease, pest infestation, nutrient needs, water stress, ideal harvest time, and quality evaluation.

Combining satellite data with GPS-driven farm machinery could transform farming, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 13%. Experts predict that satellite data in agriculture could nearly double to almost billion by 2030. It can prevent crop losses by detecting pests and pathogens, leading to a 10% drop in water use.

Satellite technology provides ground images that measure reflected wavelengths, indicating plant health and vegetation density. These measurements can determine important factors such as nitrogen levels, biomass, leaf area, and chlorophyll content. By overlaying this data on a field map, farmers can apply fertilizer only where needed, resulting in resource savings and reduced emissions.

Satellite technology has traditionally been used for scale-level assessments, but newer tech allows individual farmers to measure and maximize their yield potential. It offers a more granular approach to field management, optimizing crop growth and sustainability in a changing climate.

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