Rendering of a EPS-Sterna satellite. Photo: Eumetsat

Europe is to get a new polar satellite constellation, EPS-Sterna, that could provide up to 30 billion euros ($35 billion) in economic value to Europe over the course of its lifetime. The first satellites from this key new European program will likely be deployed in 2029.

The program secured near unanimous support during the 110th session of the Eumetsat Council. In total, 29 of Eumetsat’s 30 member states backed the program. Eumetsat announced these developments, Jan. 12.

The goal of EPS-Sterna will be to enable Europe’s national weather services to improve forecasts and support better-informed decisions that save lives, improve resilience and benefit economies. The near-unanimous approval of the program follows a comprehensive consultation process that began in 2022.

The first six EPS-Sterna satellites will launch in 2029, and satellites will be replaced over the program’s operational lifetime, which runs until 2042. The mission will provide observations globally, with most data available within about an hour and the same spot on Earth is revisited in less than three hours – a substantial increase from current polar satellite systems.

“Recent years have brought record heatwaves, devastating storms, floods and wildfires across Europe. The strong backing from Eumetsat’s member states shows the critical role EPS-Sterna will play in enabling national meteorological and hydrological services to forecast such events – which will have tremendous benefits for the lives and livelihoods of European citizens. Getting here has taken outstanding dedication from member states and the teams involved and we now look forward to delivering this critical program together with our partners,” Phil Evans, director general of Eumetsat, said in a statement.