The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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The Decentralized Damage Mapping Group (DDMG) uses Earth observation datasets to assess damage in conflict and disaster-affected regions. DDMG develops novel Earth observation methodologies to rigorously assess the impacts of wars on the environment. Through their research using Copernicus satellite data, including from Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2, as well as other civilian and commercial sensors, they have brought awareness to the utility and limitations of Earth observation data in mapping the impacts of war, which has received widespread media attention. The team has mapped urban and agricultural damage in conflict-affected regions such as Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon.
Members of the DDMG are:
DDMG are recipients of the 2025 Earth Observation Excellence Award.
Read full story: Earth Observation Excellence Award 2025 winners