ESA, GeoVille and Eutelsat OneWeb to deliver connectivity to distribute Earth observation data across Africa
A new collaboration between GeoVille and Eutelsat OneWeb, facilitated through the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Sunrise Partnership Project, is set to transform how Earth observation data reaches the world's most remote regions. The "OneWeb Copernicus Data Hubs" project, which was recently signed under ESA's partnership with Eutelsat group and with support from the Austrian Space Agency, will focus on delivering Earth observation data to end users in Africa.
The OneWeb Copernicus Data Hubs specifically target the access to data in connectivity-challenged regions. By integrating Eutelsat OneWeb's satellite internet constellation with the Copernicus ecosystem, the service ensures high-bandwidth internet access and reliable dissemination of environmental and situational data to previously underserved areas, leveraging OneWeb’s global coverage.
At the heart of this service are the Copernicus OneWeb Data-Bridges - compact hubs equipped with Eutelsat OneWeb User Terminals and specialised processing units that manage data streams and storage in remote locations. These systems are equipped with user-friendly software for configuring and selecting specific data for local archive across all geographic areas, regardless of terrestrial infrastructure limitations.
The partnership leverages GeoVille's EarthStreamer technology, an innovative high-efficiency streaming and compression solution that enables large volumes of satellite and climate data to be transmitted even in low-bandwidth environments. This technological breakthrough ensures uninterrupted access to critical Earth observation insights around the globe.
Additionally, the service incorporates the European Copernicus Emergency Management Service, directly streaming emergency management data to remote regions and significantly enhancing resilient response capabilities during natural disasters and other critical situations. The project will deliver actionable information for emergency response decision makers and first responders, Copernicus scientists & researchers working in remote areas, governmental organisations working in remote regions and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships.
The Copernicus-Connect feature of this service enables third-party European Copernicus downstream service providers to extend their reach to previously inaccessible locations.
The technical workflow involves compression and conversion of daily Copernicus data into efficient data streams, which are then transmitted via the Eutelsat OneWeb Broadband Service. This expansion creates new market opportunities for Europe's Earth observation industry while delivering valuable environmental insights to communities worldwide.
This project showcases the growing partnership between ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate and GeoVille. In 2024, GeoVille were selected to lead an industrial consortium on a project called Smart-Connect, as part of CSC’s Civil Security from Space programme.
Carsten Tobehn, Sunrise Project Manager in ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications, said, "Through our Sunrise Partnership Project, ESA creates a framework where industry leaders like GeoVille and Eutelsat OneWeb can combine their expertise and foster growth in joint Telecommunications and Earth Observation space applications. By de-risking these innovative developments, we enable European companies to deliver solutions that address global challenges while strengthening Europe's industrial capabilities. This project perfectly demonstrates how our partnership approach enables European space technologies and services to deliver tangible benefits across the globe."
Guillaume Scottez, Senior Director, Innovation for Eutelsat said, “Eutelsat Group is pleased to work with GeoVille and ESA within the Sunrise Partnership Project to enable the seamless transmission of Copernicus vital environmental data, directly supporting enhanced environmental monitoring and emergency response in remote and rural regions. Through this partnership, we are leveraging the global broadband connectivity provided by our OneWeb constellation to benefit both environmental stewardship and the expansion of Europe's Earth Observation industry to remote areas.”
Wolfgang Kapferer, Head of Space and Security, GeoVille, states, “We are proud to contribute to the pioneering Sunrise Partnership Project in collaboration with ESA and Eutelsat Group. At the heart of this initiative is the dual-use potential - serving scientific communities, civil security operations and governmental administration. Our Copernicus Data Hubs service is helping to build a new ecosystem for delivering vital insights via satellite communications, ensuring timely and reliable data access. Leveraging our advanced EarthStreamer technology, we enable efficient compression and streaming of high-quality satellite data from the Copernicus programme and the private sector, even over Satcom and in low-bandwidth environments. This transformative capability is making a real difference in how critical information reaches those who need it most, especially in remote and underserved regions.”