Major breakthrough for EUMETSAT in the development of its EPS-Sterna Program: the satellite production contract was signed today by OHB Sweden and the European Space Agency
March 18, 2026 — The EPS (EUMESAT Polar System) -Sterna Program will complement EUMETSAT’s existing fleet of geostationary and polar-orbiting satellites and will strengthen space-based observation for weather forecasting and climate monitoring. This program is fully funded by EUMETSAT’s 30 Member States.
With its 20 microsatellites forming an innovative “New Space” constellation, EPS-Sterna will improve global coverage of microwave sounding and help fill significant data gaps over the Arctic. Microwave sounding instruments provide the primary source of observations for numerical weather prediction. The launches of the first six satellites are expected to take place in 2029. Over the projected 13-year mission lifetime, Europe is expected to derive a value exceeding €30 billion (a cost-benefit ratio of 51 to 1) from EPS-Sterna data. These data will enable improved forecasts by national meteorological services and support decision-making that protects lives, infrastructure, and economic activity.
“EPS-Sterna will enhance our ability to anticipate risks, protect citizens, and foster economic resilience, while demonstrating what Europe can achieve through cooperation,” said Phil Evans, Director-General of EUMETSAT. “The signing of the contract with OHB Sweden today marks the start of the development of EPS-Sterna satellites: this is a key milestone for Europe’s space-based Earth observation system. The path is now open to unique opportunities to develop cooperation with international partners, such as the United States, China, and India, in support of the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Observing System.”
Under the program, the European Space Agency will procure the EPS-Sterna satellites on behalf of EUMETSAT, and OHB Sweden will act as the prime contractor for the space segment. EUMETSAT, as the system authority, will also develop the ground segment, oversee procurement and launch services, operate the satellites, manage the constellation, and distribute the data via its dissemination mechanisms, including EUMETCast and EUMETView.
Since 1986, EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, has monitored weather and climate from space. Headquartered in Darmstadt, Germany, it operates a fleet of satellites observing the Earth system and provides real-time data and imagery to its 30 Member States, thereby helping protect populations and support essential sectors. Four Meteosat geostationary satellites continuously observe rapidly evolving weather phenomena; two Metop polar satellites support forecasts up to ten days ahead. EUMETSAT supports European sovereignty policies, provides services under the Copernicus program, and manages the development and operation of the Destination Earth data lake.
Source: EUMETSAT