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ESA Eyes Funding for Earth Observation System with Security Applications
WASHINGTON — The European Space Agency (ESA) intends to request monetary backing from its member nations for an Earth observation satellite system intended for security applications. This initiative potentially blurs the conventional distinction between the agency’s ordinary civilian-focused activities and its increasing involvement in space defense operations. The new system aims to enhance global intelligence gathering and improve response times to emerging situations.
Director General’s Announcement
During an interview aired by Friends of Europe on May 21, ESA’s Director General, Josef Aschbacher, declared that ESA will pursue funding at the upcoming November ministerial conference for a satellite system designed to bolster “security and resilience,” responding to requests made by its member states.
“I’ve been tasked with creating a system that significantly improves our awareness of global events by observing happenings worldwide within very short timeframes,” he stated.
Enhanced Temporal Resolution
While Mr. Aschbacher did not go into specific technical details, he indicated that a crucial feature of the envisioned system would be a significantly enhanced temporal resolution compared to existing satellites run by European national governments. This would provide more frequent updates and detailed monitoring capabilities.
“This is a capability we currently lack. While some countries possess national capabilities, they often provide only three to four images daily,” he noted. “What security actors truly need is observations every half-hour or even more frequently.”
Possible Satellite Constellation
This need for frequent revisits suggests the deployment of a satellite constellation. The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office is currently deploying such a system, collaborating with SpaceX and Northrop Grumman, and has already launched over 200 satellites in the past two years.
Progress on Earth Observation Government Service
The announcement followed a social media post the previous day, in which Aschbacher highlighted “significant progress” made by a joint task force comprising ESA and the European Commission. This task force is examining “a future Earth Observation Government Service, with the ESA Resilience from Space program serving as an initial step for our November Ministerial Meeting.”
“The primary focus involves determining the optimal spatial resolution, revisit frequency, and a well-defined implementation strategy,” Aschbacher explained.
European Commission’s Study
The European Commission has been evaluating a prospective satellite system, known as the Earth Observation Government Service, intended to support “security and defense” reconnaissance operations. In January 2024, the commission awarded one-year study contracts to OHB and Telespazio to conduct feasibility assessments of such a system.
ESA’s Evolving Role
ESA has previously emphasized “rapid and resilient crisis response” as a key area for accelerated development. According to the agency, “To safeguard lives and livelihoods, Europe urgently requires space-based rapid and robust response capabilities to reinforce terrestrial systems that can be compromised by natural disasters or malicious acts.”
Historically, ESA has concentrated on civil programs, with its convention, established 50 years ago, stipulating that the agency’s purpose is to advance space programs “for exclusively peaceful purposes.” Nevertheless, certain initiatives it has supported, such as the development of launch vehicles, can also serve security applications.
Defense Spending in Europe
During the Friends of Europe interview, Aschbacher pointed out that while defense programs account for 50% of global government spending on space, in Europe, they only constitute 15%. He added that European nations now recognize the necessity to increase their investment in defense-related space activities. “My member states within the European Space Agency have requested that I develop programs that address these evolving security requirements,” he stated.
CM25 Ministerial Meeting
The funding proposal that ESA will present at the November Ministerial Meeting, known as CM25, would mark the initial phase of this effort, coordinated with the EU’s Earth Observation Government Service. The European Commission has initiated planning for its forthcoming seven-year multiannual financial framework (MFF), commencing in 2028, which could potentially support subsequent phases of the program.
A Crucial Juncture for Europe
“While our teams have diligently addressed the technical intricacies, we now need a clear and persuasive pathway for political decision-makers,” Aschbacher concluded. “Europe must not forgo this opportunity to secure a substantial space budget in CM25 and the MFF, or we risk falling further behind global leaders such as the US, China, and India.”