UK chairs Committee on Earth Observation Satellites 

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of UK Space Agency, assumes chair of CEOS, the international body responsible for coordinating observations of the Earth from space 

The new chair of the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) has set out an ambitious plan for the next 12 months to ensure we all share in the benefits of observational data gained from space. 

Photo by NASA

The UK has long been involved in a range of projects using Earth-observation satellites, from leading the European Space Agency’s TRUTHS mission which aims to improve confidence in climate forecasts to the Biomass project that will monitor the world’s forests. Microcarb is a groundbreaking French-UK satellite mission to monitor greenhouse gases on the Earth’s surface, and the UK is also involved in various Sentinel missions for the European Copernicus programme. 

Data from Earth-observation satellites offers significant public benefits in everything from monitoring the effects of climate change and impacts on biodiversity to disaster management. It can help guide urban planning and the transition to green energy. In fact, the UK boasts experts in the use of the data received from such observations in applications ranging from cutting-edge science and operational services to new commercial and public-sector initiatives. 

Now marking its 40th anniversary, the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) aims to ensure that the sector is committed to responding to global challenges for the good of humanity. In assuming its 12-month stint as chair of CEOS, the UK Space Agency will oversee the activities of the organisation and ensure that it continues to meet the objectives of its work plan. But the agency has also identified four priorities for its the coming months. 

Top of the list is using Earth observation to improve public services. It then wants to increase the use of space data in the Global Stocktakes of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Support will also be given to developing countries methane emissions measurement best-practices.  

Lastly, the UK Space Agency is keen to uses its time as chair of CEOS to inspire the next generation through a new ‘CEOS in Schools’ initiative. A youth summit will also be held in November 2025 in Bath. 

Work is already under way, with preparations for next month’s COP-29 meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, where Dr Bate will represent CEOS on the global stage and promote its goals and objectives.  

Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, says: ‘For 40 years, CEOS has been uniting the global community to champion the transformative potential of satellites and Earth Observation. I’m proud to be chairing this globally valued committee and will use the next year to demonstrate how, by working together across borders, we can harness space technology for the benefit of our societies, our shared environment, and our economies.’ 

Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms (with responsibility for space sector growth and the UK Space Agency), adds: ‘The UK has a vast amount of expertise to offer the international space community, including government backing to help spaceports and rocket manufacturers develop our launch capability at pace. Data from satellites supports our critical sectors and services across the UK, from supporting farmers to manage their land for food production to speeding up responses to extreme weather like flooding. As chair of the committee the UK will help to harness the potential of data to improve people’s lives.’ 

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