Europe to Deploy New Reconnaissance Satellite Constellation

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Union are developing a new reconnaissance satellite constellation aimed at enhancing the security of EU member states, according to a report by Space24.

The project is the result of a joint initiative between ESA and the EU, intended to strengthen Europe’s global situational awareness capabilities.

“I’ve been asked to build up a system that allows a much better intelligence of the situation around the world in the sense of observing what’s happening any place in the world within very short periods of time,” Josef Aschbacher, ESA’s director general, said during a recent conference.

Aschbacher said the goal is to increase the frequency of Earth observation data, with the new constellation expected to deliver imagery every 20 to 30 minutes once operational.

He described the program as vital for Europe’s security and its position in the global space sector. “Europe must not miss this opportunity to secure a meaningful space budget in CM25 and the MFF – else we risk falling further behind global players like the US, China, and India,” he said.

The project’s significant cost will be a key topic at the ESA Ministerial Council meeting in autumn 2025.

Aschbacher said he will request co-financing from ESA member states and confirmed that discussions are already underway with several interested countries, including Italy, the UK and Germany.

A dedicated working group has been set up with European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius to explore funding options, including through the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MMF).

Aschbacher expressed hope the satellite constellation would become one of Europe’s flagship space programs alongside Copernicus, Galileo, and the IRIS² communications initiative.

The project is currently being developed under two working titles: “EO (Earth Observation) Government Services” by the European Union, and “European Resilience from Space Constellation” by ESA.

Aschbacher also called for increased national contributions to ESA’s budget, estimating the total cost of the constellation will exceed $20 billion.

In April 2025, Ukraine and the EU signed an agreement on Ukraine’s participation in Copernicus program that includes cooperation in:

• the Copernicus component (Earth observation based on satellite and ground segments);
• the SWE sub-component (study of space weather and its impact on the Earth);
• the NEO sub-component (tracking of space bodies and objects that may pose a threat to the Earth).