Imagine a future where Europe can predict extreme weather events with unprecedented accuracy, saving lives and billions of euros. That future is now within reach, thanks to a groundbreaking satellite constellation that’s just been given the green light. But here’s where it gets controversial: while most agree on its potential, some question whether the massive investment is justified. Let’s dive into the details.
The EUMETSAT Council has officially approved the EUMETSAT Polar System – Sterna (EPS-Sterna), a game-changing constellation of polar-orbiting microsatellites. These satellites will revolutionize weather forecasting by providing microwave measurements of atmospheric temperature, humidity, and cloud cover at a frequency never seen before. These are the very variables meteorologists rely on to predict everything from heatwaves to hurricanes.
And this is the part most people miss: EPS-Sterna isn’t just about better forecasts; it’s about economic resilience and human safety. With a projected economic value of at least €30 billion for Europe over its lifetime and a staggering 51:1 benefit-cost ratio, this program promises to be a powerhouse of savings and efficiency. It’s no wonder 29 out of 30 EUMETSAT member states have backed it as a mandatory mission.
The journey to this approval began in 2022 with a thorough consultation process, culminating in the recent votes following the 110th session of the EUMETSAT Council. With the green light secured, the first satellites are set to launch in 2029, marking the start of a program that will run until 2042. But why does this matter? Because current polar satellite systems typically revisit the same spot on Earth only twice a day. EPS-Sterna will do it in less than three hours, filling critical data gaps—especially over the Arctic, the fastest-heating region on Earth and the birthplace of many weather systems affecting Europe.
Phil Evans, Director-General of EUMETSAT, puts it bluntly: ‘Recent years have brought record heatwaves, devastating storms, floods, and wildfires across Europe. EPS-Sterna will empower our national meteorological and hydrological services to forecast these events with greater precision, protecting lives and livelihoods.’
Here’s the bold part: EPS-Sterna builds on technology already proven by the European Space Agency’s Arctic Weather Satellite (AWS), which has been collecting data since August 2024. These satellites use microwave sounders that can pierce through clouds, rain, and snow—something visible and infrared instruments can’t do. The result? A projected 6% reduction in forecast errors across Europe and up to 9% in the Arctic, as confirmed by AWS data. That means more accurate predictions of storm tracks, precipitation, and temperature extremes.
Each of the 20 satellites in the constellation will carry identical advanced microwave sounders but operate in different orbital planes, achieving near-global coverage in less than five hours. EUMETSAT will procure the satellites through ESA, develop the ground infrastructure, manage launches, and distribute data via platforms like EUMETCast and EUMETView.
But here’s the question that sparks debate: Is this level of investment and technological ambition justified, or are there more cost-effective ways to improve weather forecasting? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments. One thing’s for sure: EPS-Sterna is set to redefine how Europe prepares for and responds to extreme weather, and its impact will be felt for generations to come.
