Satellite launch will boost climate monitoring — UK Space Agency

A UK-led climate-monitoring satellite has entered orbit after launching on November 28 aboard a SpaceX rocket.

The spacecraft, named HydroGNSS, is the first mission under the European Space Agency’s Scout programme and was designed and built by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford.

The project is supported by £26 million from the UK Space Agency, a Saturday statement on the UK Government website noted.

The release was titled, “HydroGNSS: UK leads ESA’s first ‘Scout’ climate mission into orbit.”

Space Minister Liz Lloyd hailed the mission’s significance, saying, “The launch of HydroGNSS is 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 like HydroGNSS demonstrate that Britain is at the forefront of space technology that delivers real-world impact for people and our planet.”

Now in orbit, HydroGNSS, according to the release,  “will monitor how water moves across the planet.
Its measurements of soil moisture, surface flooding, frozen ground, and vegetation coverage will contribute to weather forecasting, flood prediction, agricultural planning, and long-term climate research.”

The satellite relies on “GNSS Reflectometry,” a technique that captures navigation-satellite signals after they bounce off Earth’s surface.

This allows HydroGNSS to collect “data through cloud, vegetation and other conditions that can obstruct traditional sensors, offering a cost-effective and reliable way to monitor environmental change.”

Managing Director at SSTL, Andrew Cawthorne, said, “It’s a proud moment to see both HydroGNSS satellites successfully launched and sending back 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. HydroGNSS represents SSTL’s 75th and 76th satellites, launched in our 40th anniversary year, and showcases the strength and innovation of the UK’s space industry at the heart of Europe’s environmental monitoring efforts.”

The satellites are expected to supply frequent global measurements to enhance climate models and deepen understanding of the water cycle.

Their data will support analysis of climate impacts on ecosystems, guide agricultural decision-making, and strengthen disaster response in areas facing drought, flooding, and extreme weather.

Director of Operations at the Environment Agency, Paul Clements, highlighted the value of the mission, saying: “Climate change means more frequent and severe environmental incidents across the UK. Now more than ever, we must harness cutting-edge technology to develop the tools we need to protect communities from flooding and other hazards.

The launch of this new mission is 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.”

HydroGNSS complements existing international missions such as ESA’s SMOS and Biomass missions, and NASA’s SMAP satellite, forming part of a broader global effort to track environmental changes.

The project showcases how small satellites—an area of UK strength—can deliver high-value science at low cost.

ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, said: “As the first of ESA’s Scout missions to launch, HydroGNSS marks 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 the UK and we extend our thanks to the mission’s prime contractor, SSTL.

“The launch also represents a key step in the evolution of our FutureEO programme, where the Scouts embody a fast, agile, innovative and cost-efficient approach – complementing our larger Earth Explorer missions. We now look forward to seeing how HydroGNSS will employ GNSS reflectometry to deliver valuable insights into key hydrological variables that shape Earth’s water cycle.”