UK-based thermal imaging specialist joins Copernicus

SatVu was one of six new emerging Copernicus Contributing Missions (CCMs) – all taken from Europe’s thriving New Space ecosystem – unveiled this week at the Living Planet Symposium. Agreements with these data providers were formalised on 25 June by ESA and the European Commission.

SatVu lofted its first temperature sensing satellite, HotSat-1, into Earth orbit in 2023 and two further missions are planned for launch this year. In the near future, observations from this constellation are expected to support a range of activities, including observing urban heat islands, infrastructure monitoring, water resource management, and responses to climate-related disasters.

The London-based company is part of a group of CCMs, now comprising 25 data providers, that delivers crucial complementary data to Copernicus – the Earth observation element of the European Union's Space Programme. 

Copernicus relies heavily on observations from a family of satellites called the Copernicus Sentinels. However, despite its impressive capabilities, there are some data requirements the Sentinel fleet cannot alone fulfil.

The CCMs fill these data gaps by offering high resolution observations across multiple data domains as well as quick revisit times, enabling a whole host of critical applications.

SatVu was unveiled at the Living Planet Symposium alongside Germany’s Marble Imaging, Portugal’s GEOSAT, France’s ORUS , Belgium’s Aerospacelab, and Unseenlabs from France. 

Anthony Baker, Chief Executive and founder of SatVu, said, “From climate risk to national security, the decisions being made today demand data that is both credible and continuous. Being the first UK company awarded a Category 1 contract under Copernicus is not just a milestone for SatVu - it’s a signal that regional thermal capability has a vital role to play in Europe’s climate and security infrastructure. Thermal data is no longer optional, it’s essential for understanding what activity is happening on the ground, in near-real time.”

Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, added, “The aim of integrating emerging European New Space companies into Copernicus is to ensure the programme remains at the forefront of Earth observation in a fast-evolving sector.

“I warmly welcome the newest members to the Copernicus Contributing Missions programme”

Harshbir Sangha, Director of Missions and Capabilities at the UK Space Agency, said, “This contract for SatVu demonstrates the UK's world-leading industrial capabilities and innovative expertise in thermal imaging technologies.

“Following the UK's re-entry into the Copernicus programme, this €3 million agreement showcases how British innovation can deliver critical Earth Observation capabilities that address both environmental challenges and security needs. SatVu's achievement represents exactly the kind of high-value industrial growth we aim to foster, positioning our expanding UK space sector at the forefront of solving global challenges.”