The Future of Earth Observation from Space

Earth Observation is currently undergoing a major transformation driven by elements like data analytics, Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning, and Big Data. Moreover, there are new actors – often from outside the traditional space sector –, new technical mission concepts and new ways of financing space projects. The presentation will give an overview of ESA’s Earth Observation programme with its major ‘pillars’, and its evolution in regard to the trends above. The presentation will also highlight the impacts of ESA’s Ministerial Conference in December 2019 that yielded excellent results for ESA in general and for Earth observation in particular. A special focus will be put on opportunities and perspectives of international cooperation.