On 9 July 2025, leading scientists and experts in Earth observation gathered in Prague, Czechia, for a pivotal moment in Earth science – to delve into and debate the strengths of the two finalist candidate satellite missions, CAIRT and WIVERN, as they compete to be selected as ESA’s eleventh Earth Explorer.

Earth Explorers, developed within ESA’s FutureEO programme, are pioneering research missions that employ new observing techniques that can lead to new scientific findings about planet Earth. Advancing science and technology, they address questions that have direct bearings on societal issues such as the availability of food, water, energy and resources, public health, weather and climate change.

Access all replays of the Earth Explorer 11 User Consultation Meeting 2025.