
A new look at your world
For a weather-independent data source, high-frequency revisits, very-high-resolution imagery or even all of the above in a single system – we can provide the right Earth observation satellite for every customer.
Our innovative off-the-shelf solutions and highly efficient production processes enable a record-time delivery of highly sophisticated and flight-proven satellites. What’s more – we also have a substantial expertise in ground segment infrastructure, technology and operations as well as data management and imagery exploitation. We are also leading the way in High-Altitude Platform Station, or HAPS, with our Zephyr platform.
No. 1 supplier
30 years
Zero in-orbit failures
Prime contractor
More than thirty years of successful Earth observation
Since the launch of its first Earth observation satellite in 1986, Airbus Defence and Space has successfully built and delivered almost 50 Earth observation satellite systems, accumulating over 680 years of in-orbit experience. Not a single one of these missions has ever failed in orbit.
Today, many of our satellites are in operation well beyond their originally scheduled lifetime.
At the same time, over 30 new satellites as well as numerous payloads for customers around the globe are currently in development in our facilities.
Our global expertise

Tomorrow’s weather and future climate
Our meteorology satellites enhance meteorological knowledge, weather forecast and climate change monitoring. They combine optical instruments, atmospheric sounders and microwave instruments to perform a complete range of observations.

Earth observation satellites portfolio
Deliverable in absolute record time, our leading-edge systems are designed as off-the-shelf products that can be individually customised to comply with specific customer requirements.

More than just satellites
Extensive repository of capacity building options, ranging from full in-orbit delivery to satellite data storage and distribution solutions. Complementary high-resolution Earth observation systems such as the Zephyr platform, adding value to existing satellite and drone systems.

Data intelligence services
With exclusive access to a unique constellation of radar and optical satellites, Airbus Defence and Space supplies a comprehensive portfolio of data and related services.

A preferred partner of ESA
Airbus Defence and Space is a proud and key supplier of the European Space Agency, which has turned to us for the delivery of some of their most challenging space missions, including the upcoming BIOMASS mission, which addresses the status and dynamics of the Earth’s forests.

A driving force for Copernicus
Within the European Commission’s ambitious Copernicus programme, Airbus Defence and Space has been selected as the supplier of numerous Sentinel satellites as well as instruments aboard these satellites. Copernicus is comprised of ‘in-situ’ and ‘services’
See also

PerúSAT-1
A very-high-resolution Earth observation system built for the government and Space Agency of Peru, PerúSAT-1 is the first of its kind operated by the country. The satellite programme provides imagery for both civil and military applications.

SSOT - FASAT CHARLIE
Airbus Defence and Space developed the SSOT Earth observation satellite for the Chilean Air Force (FACh), in order to access high-quality satellite imagery. In Chile, the spacecraft is commonly known as "FASat-Charlie." It was launched on 16 December 2011

VNREDSAT-1
VNREDSat-1 is Vietnam’s first remote sensing satellite providing high-resolution imagery to serve social and economic development purposes, as well as environmental protection and natural disaster monitoring.
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