Discover how UK experts contribute to designing and building Sentinel satellites that enable free, open access to trustworthy, reliable and high-resolution Earth data
Missions
The UK plays a crucial role in future and current climate satellite missions that provide information the world needs for effective climate action.
2025 launches include MicroCarb and BIOMASS which were designed and built using UK skills and facilities.
EarthCARE was launched in 2024 and 23 UK organisations were involved in designing and building it as part of a multinational collaboration and it was conceived by the UK’s Prof Anthony Illingworth.
All three satellites are already exceeding expectations in the quality of imagery they are collecting. Looking ahead, HydroGNSS – a pioneering mission delivered by our members Surrey-based SSTL – is due to launch in late November, 2025.
Space4Climate encourages the take-up of climate satellite data, helping to ensure this wealth of information is applied to maximum effect.
We engage potential users – industry, the public sector and researchers – ahead of launch so they are ready to harness it for innovation, ensuring that the UK economy reaps the benefits. We also work with our members to showcase new and emerging applications to non-space sector audiences, broadening awareness and impact.
Through introductory workshops Space4Climate raises awareness of trustworthy satellite data sources and data-access platforms such as EOCIS, EO DataHub and European Copernicus programme.
We host our own events and represent the UK community at external events, bringing the UK satellite data community to new audiences.
Funded by the community for the community, we provide free, tailored services to meet your needs, and connect you with reliable UK expertise across industry and academia.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you: Space4Climate@reading.ac.uk
Take a look at the short videos on our YouTube playlist.
Download our easy-to-follow Explainers, designed to introduce each mission with a focus on UK contributions and signposting to more technical and scientific information.
Congratulations to UK and French teams behind newest mission! The MicroCarb climate satellite has launched on board an ArianeSpace Vega-C rocket. Read more about the UK expertise behind the mission.
Ground-breaking French-UK climate change satellite mission showcases the UK’s world-leading carbon Earth observation capability.
TRUTHS: A climate mission conceived by the UK’s National Physical Laboratory (NPL) to track climate change more accurately from space. It is being developed by ESA on behalf of the UK Space Agency and other partner nations across Europe.
The UK’s thriving space sector is buzzing with anticipation for two upcoming climate satellite launches that showcase the capabilities across research and industry and Government commitment to climate action: Biomass and MicroCarb. Biomass is creating such a big stir because it is the first climate mission conceived and built in the UK, as part of … Continue reading “Get ready for lift-off – two climate satellites heading to the launchpad are a huge UK space success story!”
Our useful guides to UK-involved climate satellites give an introduction to each mission in lay-person’s language with links to technical & scientific information.
Data from the SWOT satellite has already exceeded expectations – find out why it is causing excitement among climate researchers, oceanographers and hydrologists
Find out about the EarthCARE climate satellite mission, a partnership between the European Space Agency and JAXA with more than 20 UK contributors
Find out about the data being produced and its uses
Space4Climate’s quick guide to 17 climate satellite missions, some are on their way to a launchpad, others are awaiting a launch slot & more are in development
HydroGNSS will be the first European Space Agency Scout science mission in orbit, with a launch scheduled for November 2025. Read about the unique data it will provide.
Looking at a career in space, climate or satellites? You may be surprised at how many skills other than science and data are involved too! Find out more in this new STEM resource from the UK Space Agency