Key Facts
- Event
- Earth Explorer 12 User Consultation Meeting
- Dates
- 7–8 July 2026
- Location
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Organizer
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- Action
- ESA released a video recap of the meeting
Background
The European Space Agency (ESA) has published a video revisiting the Earth Explorer 12 User Consultation Meeting, which took place on 7–8 July 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia. The meeting is part of ESA's Earth Explorer programme, which develops research satellites to address critical Earth science questions.
The Earth Explorer missions are designed to advance understanding of Earth's systems, including the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and solid Earth. The User Consultation Meeting is a key step in the selection process for the 12th Earth Explorer mission, where scientists and users discuss candidate mission concepts.
Current Situation
ESA has released a video recap of the meeting, allowing the scientific community and the public to revisit the presentations and discussions that occurred during the two-day event. The video is available on ESA's multimedia portal.
The meeting brought together researchers, mission planners, and potential data users to evaluate the scientific merit and feasibility of proposed mission concepts. The outcome of the meeting will inform ESA's decision on which mission to proceed with for Earth Explorer 12.
Impacts
The selection of Earth Explorer 12 will determine the next generation of Earth observation data available to scientists, potentially affecting research in climate change, oceanography, and geology. The chosen mission could provide new insights into pressing environmental issues.
The meeting's outcomes may influence future ESA funding priorities and collaborations with international partners. The video recap helps ensure transparency and allows broader participation in the mission selection process.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
Following the User Consultation Meeting, ESA is expected to continue the selection process for Earth Explorer 12. If the agency proceeds with the recommended mission concept, it could enter the development phase in the coming years, with a potential launch in the next decade.
The final decision may depend on further feasibility studies and budget approvals. If the selected mission is approved, it could provide new data streams that benefit a wide range of Earth science applications. However, if budget constraints arise, the timeline could be extended.
Source: European Space Agency
