LONDON, Nov. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
Launched on28November aboard a SpaceX rocket,HydroGNSSis theveryfirst mission under the European Space Agency's (ESA) Scout programmeand isled by the UK.
Designed and built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford,HydroGNSSis backed by £26 million in funding from the UK Space Agency. The mission highlightsthe UK'sindustrial and scientific excellence in satellite innovation and climate monitoring.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd said:
The launch ofHydroGNSSis yet another success story for British space innovation. Backed with government funding, this UK-built satellite will play an invaluable role up in space, helping tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face on Earth.
As we build the UK's space capabilities, groundbreaking missions likeHydroGNSSdemonstrate that Britain is at the forefront of space technology that delivers real-world impact for people and our planet.
Now in orbit,HydroGNSSwill help scientists track how water moves around our planet. By measuring how wet or dry the ground is,identifyingareas where water is pooling or flooding, detecting whether the land is frozen, and estimating how much vegetation covers the Earth's surface,HydroGNSSwill provide crucial data for weather forecasting, flood prediction, and agricultural planning. These insights will also help researchersmonitorthe health of ecosystems and better understand the long-term impacts of awarmingclimate.
HydroGNSSuses an innovative technique called GNSS Reflectometry, which picks up signals from existing navigation satellites after they bounce off the Earth's surface. This clever approach means the satellite can gather data even through thick cloud cover and dense forests, conditions that often block traditional sensors. As a result,HydroGNSSoffers a cost-effective and dependable way tomonitorenvironmental changes across the globe.
Andrew Cawthorne, Managing Director, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd said:
It'sa proud moment to see bothHydroGNSSsatellites successfully launched andsendingback their first signals from orbit.
This mission is a fantastic example of how the UK, working through ESA and with support from the UK Space Agency, is delivering world-class climate science from space.HydroGNSSrepresentsSSTL's 75th and 76th satellites, launched in our 40th anniversary year, andshowcasesthe strength and innovation of the UK's space industry at the heart of Europe's environmental monitoring efforts.
Thesatelliteswill deliver frequent, global measurements that feed into improved climate models and help researchers better understand the dynamics of the water cycle. This data will be used to assess the impact of climate change on ecosystems, inform agricultural planning, and support disaster response efforts in regions affected by droughts, floods, and other extreme weather events.
Paul Clements, Director of Operations at the Environment Agency, said:
Climate change means more frequent and severe environmental incidents across the UK. Now more than ever, we must harnesscutting-edgetechnology to develop the tools we need to protect communities from flooding and other hazards.
The launch of this new missionis a compelling example of how British leadership and expertise in space delivers real, tangible benefits to the public. The enhanced data it provides will significantly strengthen our flood forecasting and warning capabilities, enabling a more effective operational response to safeguard lives, property, and infrastructure.
HydroGNSScomplements existing missions such as ESA's SMOS(Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity)and Biomass, and NASA's SMAP(Soil Moisture Active Passive),contributing to a broader international effort tomonitorand mitigate environmental impacts. By providing high-value science at low cost, the missiondemonstrateshow small satellite technology- a key UK strength -can playa big rolein tackling global challenges.
Simonetta Cheli, Director of Earth ObservationProgrammes,ESAsaid:
As the first of ESA's Scout missions to launch,HydroGNSSmarks an important milestone for this new family of rapid, low-cost Earth observation missions. It serves as a reminder of the maturity of the Earth observation sector in theUKand we extend our thanks to the mission's prime contractor, SSTL.
The launch alsorepresentsa key step in the evolution of ourFutureEOprogramme, where the Scouts embody a fast, agile,innovativeand cost-efficient approach - complementing our larger Earth Explorer missions. We now look forward to seeing howHydroGNSSwill employ GNSS reflectometry to deliver valuable insights into key hydrological variables that shape Earth's water cycle.
The mission highlights the UK's growing leadership inspace,which is vitalfor the economy and national security,as well asthestrong collaboration with the European Space Agency and industry partners.The UK space sector generates anannualincome of £18.6 billionand supportsmore than 55,000 jobs.
Thesuccessfullaunchcomes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of the UK Space Agency, ahead of its integration into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) from 1 April 2026. The merger will create a single civil space unit, streamlining strategy, policy, and delivery, building on recentachievementsand ensuring the government supports the UK space sector effectively. It also comes after the UK agreed a £1.7 billion investment package in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes at the ESA Council of Ministers in Bremen, boosting the UK's total commitment to £2.8 billion over the next decade.
The delivery ofHydroGNSSfurther strengthensUK's reputation as a hub for small satellite innovation,commercialisationandcutting-edgeEarth observation.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
