The global geodesy supply chain

The global geodesy supply chain underpins modern satellite functioning by providing the reference data satellites need to know where they are in space and where to point at. The supply chain spans from ground and space-based observatories that monitor Earth and satellite motions to data centres that collect data and analysis centres that process the data to make it usable. Despite its importance, this supply chain is fragile and under-resourced.

In May, the European Space Agency (ESA) joined the Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding of the United Nations Global Geodetic Centre of Excellence. This initiative aims to strengthen the global geodesy supply chain and promote international cooperation to produce reliable geodetic products, which are essential for many satellite applications.

ESA's key contributions to the global geodesy supply chain come from the Navigation Support Office based at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Germany and from the Genesis mission, which will measure the Earth to the millimetre.