For example if one wanted to measure sea surface temperatures across the Gulf Stream between Bermuda and New York, one could make the measurements from a cruise ship or aircraft. However, if one wanted to measure sea surface temperature across the Antarctic Circumpolar current then a satellite becomes a more viable platform. Rapid data acquisition after satellite is designed, built and launched. No need to obtain permission to collect data over hostile countries. Can revisit a site on a regular basis for a long period of time.
Spacecraft provide stable platforms.
Of course the main disadvantages are the high cost of a satellite system, the many years it takes to develop and launch a satellite and the possibility of a launch or system failure. Agriculture, forestry, and botany Hydrology Disaster control Planning and land use Mineral and petroleum exploration Military applications System Classification Active - illuminate object from spacecraft. Passive - rely on solar radiation reflected from the surface or thermal radiation emitted from the surface. Imaging system - from a single location the spacecraft must measure radiation intensity at many positions on the surface.