The selected projects cover monitoring public infrastructure, helping farmers support wildlife and observing greenhouse gases. Another project builds a database of agricultural and biodiversity markers, and the fifth will use satellite data to improve plant and animal diversity.
The companies involved are: Geospatial Ventures, Bloc Digital, AAC Clyde Space, GHGSat UK, Terrabotics, Earth-I, Specto Natura and HR Wallingford.
ESA InCubed
ESA InCubed is an ESA initiative to help fund commercial projects, in their final stages, using Earth Observation (EO) data and technology. It receives funding from both the ESA and its participating states, such as the UK.
For example, the CORE project looks to translate complex satellite data into actionable intelligence for engineers and urban planners. This involves the company Geospatial Ventures.
“Through CORE, we’re demonstrating how Earth observation – InSAR and optical – can deliver valuable and practical benefits for stakeholders by providing early insights into environmental change, ground stability, and asset condition,” said Paul Bhatia, Managing Director at Geospatial Ventures, pictured.
“ESA’s support through InCubed is essential in helping us accelerate development, integrate advanced EO capabilities, and transform satellite intelligence into actionable information that helps organisations manage risk, reduce maintenance costs, and strengthen environmental resilience.”
Citizens
This is not unique to the UK. The ESA similarly announced the results of its new initiatives to boost Spain’s Earth observation sector, for example.
The initiative shows ESA is steering its investment towards applications that can directly benefit citizens and government operations, it says.
See also: UK Space Agency funding for space projects for transport networks