GEOSAT has successfully completed its contribution to the VHR Image 2024 optical coverage over Europe, under the Copernicus Programme led by ESA. For the first time, this mission was carried out exclusively by European satellite operators. A key milestone toward EU strategic autonomy in Earth Observation.
Very High-Resolution coverage, fully European
Conducted every three years, with GEOSAT involved in previous editions since 2015, the project aims to capture very high-resolution satellite imagery across the entire continent. The campaign collected cloud-free, multispectral ortho-images at 2-meter resolution over 6.3 million sq km, between March and September 2024. The data supports the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLMS), enabling institutions to monitor land use, urban growth, agriculture, and environmental change.
GEOSAT and Airbus DS, as part of the European consortium, joined forces by leveraging their polar-orbiting satellites to acquire long, continuous image strips aligned with orbital paths. GEOSAT’s VHR imagery was enhanced using advanced Super Resolution processing to meet Copernicus quality standards.
Challenging acquisition, successful delivery
The project faced strict requirements: short time windows, narrow observation angles, and demanding cloud-free conditions. GEOSAT adapted its operations and planning workflows to deliver its full acquisition share, and beyond, on time and in compliance.
Francisco Vilhena Cunha, CEO of GEOSAT, remarked: “This mission shows the strength of European collaboration and the value of sovereign space capabilities. We’re proud to support this effort with our technology and expertise. Bringing space to people.”
Some VHR (Very High Resolution) images of various cities across Europe.
Key Figures:
- 6.3 million sq km of continental Europe covered
- Very high-resolution images
- March–September 2024 acquisition window
- A step forward for European EO
The new VHR2024 dataset will be very soon available to Copernicus eligible users. GEOSAT’s contribution reinforces its role as a trusted European partner in large-scale EO programs.
Coverage area of interest over Europe.
Thanks to our own satellites, together with our partners, we deliver high quality imagery and analytics for high impact insights which result in improved decision making.
