New 'pollution radar' developed to provide unprecedented picture of urban smog

2. Astrium Ltd, Europe's largest space company and a route for application of the new technologies in future Earth observation and space science missions, has been appointed to lead the CEOI. They are in partnership with the University of Leicester as academic research partner, who will interface with the science and user communities to establish the requirements for future EO missions; the Science and Technology Facilities Council / Rutherford Appleton Laboratory who will provide the link between these requirements and technology developments; and QinetiQ Ltd. who will manage the technology projects. All partners will have major roles in the development of EO technologies through the centre.

3. NERC funds world-class science, in universities and its own research centres, that increases knowledge and understanding of the natural world. NERC is tackling the 21st century's major environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity and natural hazards. It leads in providing independent research and training in the environmental sciences.

4. BERR (Dept for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform) is responsible for trade, business, employment relations, consumers, science and energy. It is in a unique position to contribute to the wider challenge of globalisation – enabling business and employees to prosper in the UK.

5. NERC and BERR are members of the British National Space Centre (BNSC) which is a partnership of nine Government Departments and research councils. BNSC co-ordinates space activities for the benefit of science, enterprise and the environment and represents the UK at the European Space Agency and at other international fora.

6. Astrium is a world leader in the design and manufacture of satellite systems, payloads, ground infrastructure and space equipment for a wide range of civil and military applications The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of EADS, is a world-class specialist in Earth observation and meteorological systems, offering platforms, optical and radar instruments and ground segment equipment. Astrium is a prime contractor to ESA for major space exploration programmes. In 2006, EADS Astrium had a turnover of €3.2 billion and 11,000 employees in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands. Its three main areas of activity are: the business units Astrium Space Transportation for launchers and orbital infrastructure, and Astrium Satellites for spacecraft and ground segment, and its wholly owned subsidiary Astrium Services for the development and delivery of satellite services.

7. The University of Leicester –the Times Higher University of the Year- is a leading UK university, delivering high-quality undergraduate, postgraduate and professional education, and research with international impacts.

*Picture/filming opportunities: please contact Roland Leigh on +44(116) 252 2590, email: