The UK Space Agency outlines its role as Chair of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) in utilising satellite data to tackle global challenges.
The UK Space Agency recently assumed the Chair of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites, marking a significant milestone for the UK in the global space community. This transition positions the UK at the forefront of international efforts to enhance the utility and impact of Earth Observation (EO) data.
The handover ceremony, held on 24 October at the CEOS Plenary in Montreal, saw the UK Space Agency’s Chief Executive, Dr Paul Bate, take on the role of CEOS Chair for 2025. Taking on this high-profile position underscores the UK’s commitment to leveraging space-borne observations to address some of the most pressing global challenges. As the new Chair, the UK Space Agency will lead CEOS in its mission to coordinate civil space-borne observations of the Earth, ensuring that satellite data is effectively used to benefit society.
One of the primary goals of the UK Space Agency is to unlock the power of Earth Observation satellite data. This involves enhancing the accessibility and usability of satellite data for various applications, from improving public services to inspiring the next generation through initiatives like CEOS in Schools, with a Youth Summit planned to be held at the UK’s CEOS Plenary in Bath in November 2025.
The UK’s leadership in CEOS comes at a crucial time. As The Innovation Platform celebrates its 20th edition, CEOS celebrates its 40th anniversary and renews its collective commitment to addressing global challenges through the Montreal Statement.
Earth Observation plays a pivotal role in the UK space sector, providing invaluable data for a wide range of applications. The UK is a world leader in Earth Observation tools, technologies, and data use, with a portfolio of activities spanning the entire value chain. From early technology development to missions and the harnessing of trusted data for use by a variety of businesses, the UK Space Agency champions the sector’s growth and innovation.
Earth Observation satellite data for climate monitoring
One of the key areas where Earth Observation data is making a significant impact is climate monitoring. Satellites provide a unique vantage point to observe the Earth’s climate system, offering critical data for understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change. The UK Space Agency’s role in CEOS will involve leading discussions on national strategies to drive the uptake of Earth Observation data for public service and climate action. This includes working closely with international partners to ensure that satellite data is fully utilised in global climate initiatives, such as the UNFCCC Global Stocktake, a process for evaluating progress on climate action at a global level and identifying gaps.
At the national scale, the UK Space Agency recently funded a series of grants that aim to foster climate services innovation by developing UK business-viable ideas using space data to address the impacts of climate change. These services will help identify opportunities for green financing that could support sustainable business growth.
The UK is also involved in a range of Earth observation missions that contribute to global capabilities. These include the European Space Agency’s TRUTHS mission, which will improve confidence in climate forecasts; Biomass, which will monitor the world’s forests; Microcarb, a ground-breaking French-UK satellite mission for carbon monitoring; and the various Sentinel missions of the European Copernicus programme with its associated services.
Earth Observation and the role of Copernicus
The Copernicus programme, a European system established in 2014 that uses satellites and other technologies to monitor the Earth, provides a wealth of data and sophisticated services that are crucial for managing our environment, understanding and tackling the effects of climate change, and safeguarding everyday lives. The programme’s free and open data policy has driven an increased uptake in the use of space-generated data, benefiting not only the government and academic sectors but also UK businesses. Since its operations began, the mission has generated over 30 PB of data, with more than 14 million products made available to users to date.
The upcoming launch of the Sentinel 1C satellite on December 3, 2024, is a key mission under the Copernicus programme. This satellite will provide enhanced continuity for the constellation’s capabilities by delivering high-resolution radar imagery and data essential for monitoring environmental changes and supporting climate action. Sentinel 1C will focus on delivering critical information for disaster response, land and ocean monitoring, and ice observation.
Earth Observation for disaster management and infrastructure
In addition to climate monitoring, Earth Observation data is essential for disaster management. Satellites can provide real-time data on natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, enabling timely and effective response efforts.
The UK space sector’s commitment to Earth Observation extends beyond environmental monitoring. Satellite data is also used for urban planning, clean energy, and biodiversity monitoring. For instance, it can help cities plan for sustainable growth by providing insights into land use, infrastructure development, and environmental impact. Similarly, satellite data can support the transition to clean energy by identifying optimal locations for renewable energy projects and monitoring their performance.
The UK Space Agency’s leadership in CEOS will focus on exploring strategies to bridge the gaps between this satellite data and its users, ensuring that this valuable information is accessible to those who need it most.
Earth Observation and international collaboration
The UK’s leadership in CEOS also highlights the importance of international collaboration in the space sector. By working with other space and meteorological agencies, the UK Space Agency aims to promote the goals and objectives of CEOS on the global stage. This includes participating in key international events, such as the recent COP-29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, ESA’s Living Planet Symposium in Vienna in June, and the UK hosting the CEOS Plenary in Bath in November 2025.
These efforts will ensure that the UK remains at the forefront of global Earth Observation initiatives, driving innovation and fostering collaboration across the international space community.
The UK’s role as CEOS Chair represents a unique opportunity to lead global efforts in using satellite data to address some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. From climate action and disaster management to urban planning and clean energy, Earth Observation data has the potential to transform the way we understand and interact with our planet. The UK Space Agency’s leadership in CEOS will be instrumental in unlocking this potential, ensuring that satellite data is effectively used to benefit society and drive sustainable development.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 20th edition of our quarterly publication.
