Groundbreaking Science Discoveries and Successes enabled by ESA Earth Observation Satellites

The presentation will introduce a brochure (see reference below) that was prepared by the Earth Science Panel of the European Space Science Committee, which describes twelve groundbreaking science examples enabled by Earth observation satellites, representing the four main thematic domains of Earth sciences, namely: atmosphere, polar regions, ocean, and land. The different examples highlight the value across the Earth sciences of Earth Observation satellite missions, how they have resulted in transformative scientific breakthroughs, and their value to society and human endeavour.

Taking note that ESA is already very active in the communications of EO results, https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth, the aim it to produce a simple and easy to understand document that can convincingly demonstrate the huge science and societal benefits brought by ESA EO satellites. The document provides 12 examples clearly identifying the discoveries enabled by EO satellites.  Most examples are based on ESA missions (ERS-1, ERS-2, ENVISAT, Earth Explorers) and European Commission Copernicus programme (Sentinels), but other sources of data from European national missions and NASA are used.

The approach for the preparation of this document was driven by an ambition to translate the details and results of landmark scientific breakthroughs to a policy-oriented audience through the employment of concise, clear, and approachable language. To further aid in understanding, the text was accompanied by impactful and sharp graphics generated in collaboration between the scientists, communication experts, and professional graphic designers.

The presentation will describe how the document was conceived, the selection process to arrive at the 12 examples, and the satellite data used. Special attention will be also given on the process to convert scientific results published from highly ranked journals to easily understandable text and graphics which make the core of the document. Lessons learned on the process will be reported and some of the examples of the brochure will be detailed in the presentation.

This new perspective could act as a template for future promotion of space agency scientific excellence and value.

 

Reference:

Borgeaud, M., Bamber, J., Cazenave, A., Hegglin, M., Kerr, Y., Marcos, M., Massari, C., Tamminen, J., Rapley, C., L’Haridon, J. and Allison, C., Earth Observation Groundbreaking Science Discoveries, ESA publication, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5270/ESSC-ESA-EO-Groundbreaking-Science-2025, available for download at https://www.essc.esf.org/2025/01/21/news-eo-brochure/.