Earth Observation Programmes

The mission of the Earth Observation Programme Directorate is to keep observation techniques at the most updated technological state, opening new horizons and creating cutting-edge products. The objectives of this ESA directorate is to pursue scientific knowledge and transform it to benefit the entire society.

ESA's Living Planet Programme comprises a scientific and research element, which includes the Earth Explorer missions, and an Earth Watch element, which is designed to facilitate the delivery of Earth observation data to users of operational services.

Earth Watch includes the well-established meteorological missions with the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). The European Space Agency is developing the Sentinel series in partnership with the European Commission under the Copernicus programme.

Earth Observation spacecraft developments are performed through large procurements and the selection of a core team of contractors, followed by best practices.
The list of on-going business opportunities for these large procurements can be found within the esa-star Publication system.