Environmental Monitoring – MEDUSA
From sky to sea: precision in oil spill detection
The ocean’s surface is vast, ever-changing, and often fragile under human impact. Protecting it requires more than observation — it demands detection, analysis, and swift reaction. Operated by Fototerra, the MEDUSA System (Monitoring Environmental Damages Using Satellite Acquisitions) integrates long and short-range sensors to identify oil spills and other environmental anomalies, processing data and transmitting results in real time. From flight to console, from analysis to decision, Fototerra turns technology into rapid response — safeguarding marine environments and supporting offshore safety.
MEDUSA: advanced technology for environmental surveillance
The MEDUSA system is a global benchmark in aerial environmental monitoring, designed to detect and map oil spills with speed and accuracy. Integrated into Fototerra’s operations, it combines remote sensing and real-time analytics to identify incidents across multiple ranges and deliver immediate data to command centers. This approach ensures fast and informed action in critical offshore situations.
Operated via Poseidon 1 and Poseidon 2 aircraft, MEDUSA features a suite of precision sensors: Side-Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR), Infrared and Ultraviolet Sensors (IR/UV), Visible Spectrum Sensor (VIS), Laser Fluorosensor (LFS), Microwave Radiometer (MWR), and Electro-Optical Camera (EO/IR).
This technological array enables wide-area scanning for hydrocarbons (Far Range) and detailed oil characterization (Near Range) — including type, thickness, and spatial extent. All data converge into a single operational console, integrating georeferenced outputs and generating reliable reports for environmental authorities and decision-makers.
Real-time data analysis and transmission
Speed is everything. MEDUSA processes and transmits information live — via datalink or satellite — enabling command centers to receive alerts and updated maps during operations. This immediate response capability reduces environmental risks, enhances containment strategies, and ensures resources are deployed with precision.
Main applications
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Detection and characterization of marine oil spills
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Environmental monitoring of the Brazilian coast and offshore oil fields
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Support for environmental emergency response plans
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Coastal surveillance and regulatory enforcement
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Monitoring of ports and strategic maritime routes