Spain accelerates its strategy earth observation with a bet on next-generation satellites aimed at preventing disasters such as flooding associated with DANA episodes in the Valencian Community. The initiative strengthens public capacity to monitor extreme events and make decisions more quickly.
With a staff of 325 millones de euros Managed by the Spanish Space Agency, the plan envisages putting three platforms into orbit that will provide near real-time information to emergency services and administrations responsible for civil protection.
What these satellites incorporate
The new units will integrate very high resolution (VHR) optical camera, thermal infrared camera (TIR) ​​and synthetic aperture radar (SAR), a combination that allows observation both during the day and at night and under heavy cloud cover.
In addition, they will have electromagnetic field sensors (ELINT) and potential technology demonstrators in secure communications (intersatellite link, QKD) and deorbital maneuvers at the end of its useful life. Its estimated mass is between 200 and 250 kilograms, with an architecture designed for frequent revisits and great agility of observation.
Preparedness for disasters, floods and other emergencies
The operational objective is clear: map the affected areas in minutes in an emergency to optimize rescues, road closures, evacuations, and resource deployment. In DANA episodes like the one experienced in Valencia, SAR data helps identify flooding and overflows even with persistent clouds.
The combination of optical and thermal images will allow characterize the extent of the water sheets, monitor critical infrastructure and assess damage, while radar detection will provide continuity of service in adverse weather conditions.
Direct uses are also contemplated in forest fires (detection and monitoring of active fronts), waste and coastal monitoring, facilitating a coordinated response between regional and state administrations.
Drought, agriculture and ecological transition
Beyond the immediate emergency, the constellation will provide value in the drought and irrigation management, crop monitoring and control of agricultural practices for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Thermal sensors will help measure continental and sea surface temperatures, useful indicators for monitoring water stress, heat islands, and conditions that favor intense convection and severe storms.
A European framework for cooperation: ESCA+ and EOGS
The deployment is integrated into the model ESCA+ (European Satellite Constellation Atlantic Plus), where each country contributes satellites and receives access to all the system's data, ensuring continuity and diversity of measurements.
Spain will be articulated in the ESA ERS cluster to contribute to the initiative EOGS (Earth Observation Governmental System) of the European Commission, linking its capabilities with those of other partners and strengthening pan-European environmental monitoring.
Calendar, management and impact on the industry
The investment will be managed by the Spanish Space Agency with support from ESA and coordination of MICIU, positioning the national industry as the main supplier with subcontracting from universities and technology centers.
An impact of more than 200 million euros in contracts between 2026 and 2027, with a pulling effect on aerospace poles of Andalusia, Madrid, Galicia, Catalonia, the Basque Country, the Valencian Community, and Castile and León.
The project represents a qualitative leap: Spain, until now without its own multi-satellite constellation With these characteristics, it joins the European roadmap and complements other previously announced assets, such as the 16 satellites planned for the Atlantic Constellation.
Financing linked to the DANA Addendum
The program is part of the DANA Addendum to the Recovery Plan, approved by the European Commission, which creates a new component dedicated to resilience to natural disasters and provides more than 1.240 millones de euros for reconstruction and capacity building.
In addition to the satellites, the package includes performances such as reconstruction of railway lines and damaged stations, fleet renewal towards zero emissions y restoration of water infrastructure, to reduce vulnerability to future impacts.
From data to decision in minutes
With access to critical data in near real time, authorities will be able to prioritize interventions, estimate damages and accelerate aid logistics, something key in extreme events and climate crises.
The radar will ensure observation through clouds and smoke, the optics will provide very high resolution detail and the thermal will allow detect heat anomalies; electromagnetic sensors will help to characterize storms and lightning, completing a robust operational framework.
With this technological combination, Spain strengthens its anticipation capacity against damage, floods and fires, integrating satellite observation into daily emergency management and climate adaptation policies.
