Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31073: Seeing Earth from Above: How ISS SERVIR Helps Track Our Planet’s Health

The International Space Station isn’t just a laboratory for space research—it’s also a valuable platform for observing Earth. The ISS SERVIR Environmental Research and Visualization System (ISERV) provides a new lens on our planet, enabling scientists and decision-makers to respond to environmental challenges more effectively.

Developed at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, ISERV collects high-resolution images of Earth’s surface to monitor changes caused by natural disasters, urban expansion, deforestation, and climate change. Mounted in the station’s Window Observational Research Facility (WORF), the system captures targeted images of key regions around the globe.

From volcanic eruptions to flood zones, the system’s data helps governments and aid organizations make timely, informed decisions. This remote sensing capability is particularly useful in developing countries, where ground-based monitoring resources are often limited.

ISERV’s contributions extend beyond emergency response. The imagery supports long-term research into environmental trends and urban planning, offering insights into how humans are shaping the Earth.

By using the vantage point of low-Earth orbit, ISERV turns the ISS into a guardian of the globe, one snapshot at a time.

Join the Agnirva Space Internship Program

Get certified with over 100 hours of immersive, self-paced learning in astronomy, cosmology, space technology, and climate science through the Agnirva Space Internship Program. Join, complete virtual projects, and earn a digital certificate to showcase your space fluency in interviews, resumes, and beyond.