Our Living Planet

Space is a unique vantage point for monitoring the entire Earth, providing crucial information about our ever-changing planet. 

Europe plays a leading role in satellite observation of Earth and together with its member states ESA is launching a range of missions designed to address pressing science questions, substantially advancing the frontier of our understanding of how Earth works and contributing to climate-change issues. 

Employing breakthrough technologies, the Earth Explorer missions provide the scientific community with the means to study how the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and interior are intrinsically linked, and the effect of human activity on Earth’s natural balance.