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Earth Observation

Earth Observation is the collection, analysis and presentation of information about planet Earth鈥檚 physical, chemical and biological systems via remote sensing technologies.

From:
UK Space Agency
Published
20 September 2017
Last updated
18 June 2025 鈥� See all updates

Satellite Earth Observation refers to the use of a variety of satellite-based imaging equipment including optical, radar, altimeter and atmospheric instruments to collect information about the Earth. Observing the Earth with satellites provides a unique advantage over ground-based collection methods.听

Earth Observation instruments record measurements by a variety of methods.听

Optical instruments obtain data by recording the Sun鈥檚 reflected energy across various wavelengths, including visible light and invisible infrared bands.听

Radar instruments shine microwave pulses from space to Earth in order to record how these are reflected. These instruments measure surface roughness and have the advantage of being able to operate through cloud and darkness.听

Altimeter instruments very precisely record the time it takes for a microwave or laser pulse to be bounced back to their satellite, measuring both land and sea height to an accuracy of just a few centimetres.听

Atmospheric instruments work by detecting how the envelope of air surrounding our planet affects light, heat or radio energy passing through it. Certain 鈥榮ignature鈥� spectral wavelengths are either absorbed or emitted by the atmosphere indicating the presence of associated chemicals and gases such as oxygen or carbon dioxide.听

The UK is a world leader in Earth Observation tools, technologies and data use. The uses span academic, institutional, public sector and commercial services.

Copernicus

The UK re-joined the Copernicus programme on 1 January 2024.听

Copernicus is the Earth Observation element of the European Union Space Programme. The programme is overseen by the European Commission but is delivered by a number of entrusted organisations which include the European Space Agency and EUMETSAT.鈥�

From 1 January 2024, UK scientists, industry and policymakers have access to unique Copernicus Earth Observation data, applications and services, and the UK鈥檚 world leading Earth Observation sector is able to bid for contracts worth hundreds of millions.听

Through continued collaboration with our European Copernicus partners, the UK is supporting the delivery of world leading satellite Earth Observation data products monitoring and addressing our shared environmental and climate challenges for the benefit of people and planet.听

For more information, please read:听

Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS)听

The UK Space Agency assumed the role of Chair of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) for 2025. This influential committee of global space and meteorological agencies is responsible for coordinating observation of the Earth from space.

The UK Space Agency has selected 鈥楿nlocking Earth Observation for Society鈥� as its headline theme for the year, aiming to drive the uptake and use of Earth Observation data to improve public services and address the many environmental and climate challenges we face.

Cross-Government Roles

Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)听

DSIT works closely with Defra and the UK Space Agency to consider how government can best meet the needs of the UK鈥檚 Earth Observation sector and deliver our National Space Strategy ambition to ensure that the UK stays at the forefront of Earth Observation technology and knowhow.听

UK Space Agency听

The UK Space Agency works closely with DSIT and the UK鈥檚 Earth Observation sector to deliver the National Space Strategy. The UK Space Agency Corporate Plan outlines Earth Observation as a priority area, with a portfolio of activities that spans the entire value chain, from early technology development, through to missions, calibration and validation, and the development of trusted data for use. The UK Space Agency is responsible for managing the UK鈥檚 relationship with the European Space Agency (ESA).听

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)听

Within Defra, Earth Observation forms a critical evidence base for environmental and monitoring policy decisions as well as multi-million-pound products including the Terrestrial Natural Capital Ecosystem Assessment programme.鈥�EO鈥痑lso provides a tool in our operational capability to protect, monitor and restore the natural environment. Defra amplifies鈥�EO鈥痥nowledge and best practice though its Earth Observation Centre of Excellence.听

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)听

The UK Space Agency works closely with DESNZ to support the uptake of EO data to monitor and assess the effects of climate change, energy infrastructure, and its use in monitoring environmental changes.听听

Ministry of Defence (MoD)听

The Ministry of Defence works for a secure and prosperous United Kingdom with global reach and influence, protecting its people, territory, values, and interests at home and overseas.鈥疶he Ministry of Defence is responsible for ensuring we can protect and pursue our interests in and through space, and meeting the needs of our Armed Forces, as well as developing capabilities with built-in opportunities for potential collaboration across government, with international partners and the private sector.

News听

Key Reports听

Funding Opportunities听

Case studies

Updates to this page

Published 20 September 2017
Last updated 18 June 2025 show all updates

  1. Updated information, June 2025.

  2. Update the call to action box at the top of the page, to reflect that the date from which UK scientists can access Copernicus's Earth observation data has passed.

  3. Added information on UK agreement to associate to Copernicus on 7 September 2023.

  4. Added two links to news section.

  5. Updated information on page.

  6. The UK Earth Observation programme vision has been updated.

  7. First published.

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