FutureEO benefits series – Pioneering Earth observation for a better world • Oct 2025

Launched over 25 years ago, the FutureEO programme is at the core of the ESA Earth Observation activities. It pushes boundaries of Earth observation, delivering excellence in science, technology innovation, preparing for new operational missions and supporting scientists, policymakers, and society with the knowledge needed to protect our planet’s future in the domain of environment, climate change and sustainability.

From pioneering Earth Explorer missions to agile Scout satellites and AI-powered data solutions, FutureEO is ESA’s commitment to scientific excellence, societal resilience, and global cooperation.

FutureEO is structured around three defining pillars that provide a streamlined and centralised framework for ESA’s Earth Observation goals. They work together to ensure there is a smooth flow of information between projects, connecting innovative ideas with scientific objectives to inform and guide the development of missions from concept through to design and realisation.

In this week’s series dedicated to the FutureEO programme, selected case studies will illustrate concrete examples of benefits from ESA Member States’ investment in the programme activities.

Through its EO Foundations pillar, FutureEO identifies and explores concepts for future Earth observation missions including Copernicus Sentinels and meteorological missions. Through strategic partnerships, it prepares industry for the future and supports competitiveness, enabling world-leading Earth observation and technology innovation for Europe.

The EO Missions and Data pillar includes the implementation and launch of state-of-the-art Earth observation missions. It then manages these missions and data, developing trusted climate reference datasets that meet consistent standards. ESA is managing the most diverse, and so far, largest, fleet of Earth observation satellites in the world.

The Earth Action pillar addresses the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution through actionable climate and environmental data. It also fosters disruptive innovations and business ideas. Earth Action aims to integrate a wide range of data into essential climate variables addressing the challenges we face and to maximise impact to society.

·       Day 1: Improving weather forecasting with commercial data

·       Day 2: Measuring Earth from Space with a cutting-edge digital altimeter

·       Day 3: Enhancing Europe’s strategic autonomy with a large deployable reflector for EO

·       Day 4: Benefiting from AI on-board data processing for EO

·       Day 5: Monitoring Earth’s frozen frontiers in a changing climate

·       Day 6: Empowering farmers, policymakers, and researchers in transforming agriculture

To learn more about ESA FutureEO programme: FutureEO brochure 2025 and ESA - FutureEO