The techniques used to detect plastic waste from airborne or satellite observations should be based on fundamental and well-characterised optical features. Among the important optical characteristics is the polarisation of light. In this project Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg explored the polarimetric properties of new and weathered plastic, developing algorithms for handling and processing data on the polarisation characteristics of various tested plastics, as well as documenting them. Find out more here.

The project was funded through the Discovery element of ESA’s Basic Activities. It was selected through an Open Space Innovation Platform (OSIP) call for ideas on remote sensing of plastic marine litter.

Access the other Final presentations of ESA Discovery element activities videos.