Earth & Climate

ESA

Observing Earth and its ecosystems from space is one of the most important tasks of spaceflight. From orbit, it is possible to recognise changes in land surfaces, oceans and the atmosphere and develop measures to protect the environment and our climate. Satellite-based Earth observation thus provides a basis for decision-making on international treaties, such as those protecting the ozone layer or combating global warming. It also helps to monitor compliance with such treaties, as well as providing information for official bodies, enabling habitat mapping, helping to optimise agricultural subsidies and in the planning of mobile phone systems.

European Earth Observation

The flagship of European Earth observation is the Copernicus programme with its extensive fleet of Sentinel satellites. Copernicus provides indispensable data – the basis for a large number of daily activities like the safe operation of critical infrastructure and science.

Climate

Satellite-based Earth observation is the only technology that allows us to monitor the atmosphere and climate worldwide around the clock. Satellites continuously and reliably collect large amounts of data, for example on concentrations of greenhouse and trace gases, cloud cover, and ocean and land surface temperatures.

Land Areas

Sensors on Earth observation satellites reliably collect data and information, for example on land use, land cover and its spatial distribution. Hyperspectral satellites also provide the basis for quantitative information, such as the nutrient supply of arable crops or the water quality of lakes.

Mission Archive