Copernicus

As the European Earth Observation programme, Copernicus looks at our planet and its environment and provides data and information that benefits all European citizens.

The programme consists of a complex set of systems that collect data from multiple sources, including Earth Observation satellites, in-situ sensors like ground stations, and airborne and sea-borne sensors. Users have free and open access to a great deal of this data, which is also processed to provide a set of services based on reliable and near-real time information.

Programme

Copernicus is served by a set of dedicated satellites (Sentinel family) and contributing missions (existing commercial and public satellites).

The Sentinel satellites are specifically designed to meet the needs of the Copernicus information services and their users. Since the launch of Sentinel-1A in 2014, the European Union has initiated a process to place a complete constellation of almost 20 satellites in orbit before 2030. Today, there are eight Sentinel satellites in orbit, of five different types.

Copernicus also collects information from in situ systems, such as ground stations, which deliver data acquired by a multitude of sensors located on the ground, at sea and in the air. Copernicus’ services process and analyse the wealth of satellite and in situ data, transforming it into value-added information

Copernicus is funded, coordinated and managed by the European Commission in cooperation with partners such as ESA and EUMETSAT. Meanwhile, EUSPA is responsible for promoting the commercialisation of Copernicus data and services for communities not currently reached by the Entrusted entities delivering the Copernicus services.

Benefits

Some key benefits include:

There are 772 European companies active in the EO sector, employing 13,796 employees and generating EUR 1.796 billion in revenue
EO market expected to grow rapidly from €3.4 billion in 2023 to almost €6 billion in 2033.
Climate, Environmental and Biodiversity segment accounts for 22% of EO revenues.
It is estimated that SMEs and start-ups account for nearly 96% of European Earth Observation companies.
The European EO industry covers more than a third of the global data processing market.

Facts

772

There are 772 European companies active in the EO sector, employing 13,796 employees and generating EUR 1.796 billion in revenue

€3.4 billion

EO market expected to grow rapidly from €3.4 billion in 2023 to almost €6 billion in 2033.

22%

Climate, Environmental and Biodiversity segment accounts for 22% of EO revenues.

96%

It is estimated that SMEs and start-ups account for nearly 96% of European Earth Observation companies.

1/3

The European EO industry covers more than a third of the global data processing market.

Last modified

16 April 2024