UK’s SatVu secures multi-million ESA contract to power climate and security intelligence

The announcement was made at the Living Planet Symposium in Vienna, and comes following the UK's re-entry into Horizon and Copernicus programmes.

SatVu has been awarded a contract worth up to €3 million by the European Space Agency (ESA) to supply advanced thermal data to the Copernicus Contributing Mission (CCM) programme.

Spanning a three-year period, the agreement marks the first Category 1 CCM contract for a UK company and was officially announced at the Living Planet Symposium in Vienna. It cements SatVu’s role in supporting a broad portfolio of Copernicus thematic services with continuous, high-resolution thermal intelligence - including urban heat monitoring, infrastructure resilience, water resource management, emissions analysis, security applications, and rapid response to climate-related disasters.

SatVu’s imagery and analytics will strengthen critical areas of European monitoring and decision-making. From an urban heat perspective, by mapping heat risk and cooling loads at street level, SatVu’s data informs energy efficiency programmes and adaptation plans - helping cities better prepare for rising temperatures and extreme heat events.

In water and land resource planning, SatVu’s high-resolution thermal insights allow authorities to assess thermal dynamics in rivers, lakes, and coastal zones. These measurements serve as indicators of pollution, outflows from industrial activity, and surface temperature shifts - supporting both environmental protection and regulatory compliance.

SatVu’s thermal capability also enhances Europe’s security and intelligence operations. By detecting unusual heat signatures and monitoring critical infrastructure in low-light or the full cover of darkness, it provides an added activity layer of situational awareness for sensitive or remote locations.

Finally, the data supports faster, more targeted responses to climate-related disasters. From detecting wildfires and industrial incidents to supporting flood monitoring and emergency planning, SatVu enables early warning systems and rapid deployment when time is critical.

SatVu’s satellites capture thermal infrared imagery at up to 3.5 metres ground sample distance (GSD), delivering high-resolution, day-and-night monitoring of Earth’s surface across a spectrum of civil and defence use cases. This level of thermal detail is essential for bridging spatial and temporal gaps left by existing Earth observation systems - especially in security-sensitive, high-risk, or low-visibility environments.

Anthony Baker, CEO and Founder, SatVu: “From climate risk to national security, the decisions being made today demand data that is both credible and continuous. Being the first UK company awarded a Category 1 contract under Copernicus is not just a milestone for SatVu - it’s a signal that regional thermal capability has a vital role to play in Europe’s climate and security infrastructure. Thermal data is no longer optional, it’s essential for understanding what activity is happening on the ground, in near-real time.”

Simonetta Cheli, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation (EO) Programmes added, “The aim of integrating emerging European New Space companies into Copernicus is to ensure the programme remains at the forefront of Earth observation in a fast-evolving sector. “I warmly welcome the newest members to the Copernicus Contributing Missions programme”

Harshbir Sangha, Director of Missions and Capabilities at the UK Space Agency, said: “This contract for SatVu demonstrates the UK's world-leading industrial capabilities and innovative expertise in thermal imaging technologies. 

“Following the UK's re-entry into the Copernicus programme, this €3 million agreement showcases how British innovation can deliver critical Earth Observation capabilities that address both environmental challenges and security needs. SatVu's achievement represents exactly the kind of high-value industrial growth we aim to foster, positioning our expanding UK space sector at the forefront of solving global challenges.”

With SatVu’s calibrated thermal insights delivered in near real-time, Copernicus users gain immediate, actionable intelligence without the burden of processing complex data streams.

As the first UK company selected under the new Category 1 Contributing Missions, SatVu reaffirms the UK’s ability to deliver strategic capability to Europe’s climate, security, and resilience ambitions.