Satellite applications for observing the Earth have existed for some time – Meteosat(1), for example, will be 50 years old in 2027 – but they are currently experiencing major developments. For example, 2025 alone has seen a great deal of progress in terms of both launching into orbit and new approaches. At the same time, recent opening of data offers multiple prospects that an increasing number of innovative companies are taking advantage of.
Satellite applications and Earth observation
Satellite applications have several major roles, including monitoring the state of the environment. In this area, some satellites are dedicated to pollution (Sentinel, Calipso), others to measuring GHG emissions (Merlin, IASI, MicroCarb or GHGSat and Tropomi for methane), adaptation to climate change (CO3D), ocean currents (Jason, Smos, CFSat), wetlands (Swot), etc.
2025: a bountiful year
In January 2025, a demonstration satellite (GEN1) in the GESAT constellation was launched with the aim of detecting methane emissions. A few months later, a new generation of IASIs(2) was launched: IASI-NG. With its highly advanced atmospheric probing instrument, starting in 2026 it will allow for even more precise measurements of temperature, humidity, and greenhouse gas concentrations, thanks to a wide range of compounds analysed at very low thresholds. And this summer, the first MicroCarb was launched as part of the French-British mission of the same name to accurately measure the concentration of carbon dioxide in the Earth’s atmosphere and to map the flows between various sources of anthropogenic emissions and natural carbon sinks such as oceans and forests. MicroCarb should serve as a precursor to a European mission dedicated to measuring CO2 and methane.
Another notable advancement was the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice in June, which witnessed the official launch of the Space4Ocean (S4O) alliance aimed at enhancing the connection between space and maritime activities. The idea is to support the sustainable management of oceans and coastal areas through space-based data (e.g. monitoring of oceans, fisheries resources and marine protected areas, development of pollution-related services, etc.). This international platform for coordinated action should contribute to the implementation of global policy frameworks.
The crucial role of data
In 2022, the European Council underlined the importance of Earth observation data for the EU’s security and resilience and advocated the use of space-based data to support ecological and digital transitions. In a new communication from May 2025, it emphasises the need to use all available satellite data to better address climate change, disasters, and crises impacting European and global security, as well as the need to enhance cooperation between Member States and industry.
Access now made easy
For several years now, the EU has provided free access to data from its two flagship programmes: Copernicus (with images from Sentinel satellites) and Galileo (geo-positioning). Swot data (surface water topography) has been freely accessible since June 2024 and a new Geodes platform giving access to Earth observation data was launched at the end of 2024.
Multiple prospects
An increasing number of companies are taking advantage of this opportunity and developing new processes or solutions in many areas. This is the case, for example, with BWI, CarbonFarm, CityClimateX, CoolRoof, Grasp, Netcarbon and Pixstart, which focus on water, agriculture, adaptation, buildings, air, urban planning, and territories, respectively.
BWI collects data from observation satellites, hydrometric stations, weather forecasts or local observations, stores it and then processes it with specific models and machine learning. This allows it to provide accurate hydrological forecasts. BWI is also working on a constellation of ten satellites equipped with miniature altimeters in collaboration with the CNES. For its part, CarbonFarm aims to decarbonise rice farming by providing farmers with incentives to adopt sustainable practices through the use of satellite data and AI. CityClimateX uses satellite data and modelling to mitigate the impact of climate change in urban development projects (e.g. selection of transport routes, analysis of heat islands, or thermal comfort, and so on). CoolRoof is developing a platform that combines satellite thermal imaging, energy simulation and real-time monitoring that can provide a unique, multi-scale view of roofs. This may apply to preventive maintenance, greening or installing PV systems or heat-reflective solutions. Grasp operates using satellite, airborne, and ground data, along with a private constellation of multi-angle polarised MAP nanosatellites, to produce consistent near real-time maps of PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. Netcarbon is developing an SaaS app that cross-reference satellite data with scientific models to evaluate key indicators such as carbon stocks and flows, urban heat islands, biodiversity, land use or runoff. The app can be used for urban regeneration, restoring permeability, greening (roads, school playgrounds), real estate and sustainable infrastructure. Finally, Pixstart provides solutions for monitoring and managing the ecology of regions through geo-observation (e.g.: water resource management, infrastructure monitoring, sustainable management of forested areas, analysis of urban environments, or protecting hard-to-access areas). Pixstart has been involved with BRGM since the beginning of 2025 in the ZH Scan project dedicated to analysing wetlands through the synergy of satellite data and field data.
These few examples show the vast potential of using Earth observation satellite data. Cooperation between governments, academia and industry in the field is only just beginning, but it is progressing rapidly. In the face of the phenomenal amount of data, the use of AI and other technologies should be useful in improving data processing. For example, AI could identify constants and anomalies, integrate images obtained at high altitudes, or develop modelling systems. To be continued…
1) We are currently at Meteosat-12, a sounding satellite that scans the whole of earth’s disc every ten minutes and is the main source of near-real-time geostationary satellite data for Europe, Africa and the oceans along their coasts. Meteosat-12 is part of the European agency Eumetsat’s Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) Imager 1 programme.
2) IASI (Infrared Atmospheric Interferometer) is an IR spectrometer that measures different gaseous pollutants (O3, CO, CO2, NH3 ). Three IASIs have been orbiting the Earth since 2006, creating a map of atmospheric pollutants twice a day.