The European Space Agency is preparing to request funding for a new Earth observation satellite programme aimed at improving Europe’s intelligence-gathering capacity, a notable shift into defence-relevant territory for an agency historically focused on civil missions. ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher confirmed the proposal in a 21 May interview, stating that the system would focus on “security and resilience” and feature near-real-time imaging capabilities. The request is expected to be formally presented at the agency’s November ministerial meeting.

Faster, More Frequent Coverage

At the heart of the proposal is a need for increased revisit rates, the ability to capture images of key areas multiple times per hour, rather than the handful of daily passes currently offered by existing European assets. That level of coverage suggests a constellation of satellites capable of supporting persistent surveillance and rapid-response applications. Some countries, including the United States, have already moved in this direction. The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, working with SpaceX and Northrop Grumman, has placed over 200 satellites into orbit since 2022 under similar objectives. The ESA system would mark a first step toward closing Europe’s capability gap in security-focused space infrastructure.

Related: Earth’s Core Isn’t Still: Scientists Discover Solid Rock Flow in the Deep Interior

Political Momentum Builds

While the ESA Convention mandates programmes for “exclusively peaceful purposes,” there is growing political appetite among member states to expand into security-related missions, particularly in light of rising geopolitical tensions and recent disruptions caused by natural disasters and cyber threats. ESA and the European Commission have been jointly studying what they call the Earth Observation Government Service. In January, OHB and Telespazio were awarded feasibility study contracts as part of early groundwork.

The proposed system, dubbed Resilience from Space, is intended to serve both civilian and defence functions, reinforcing ground systems in times of crisis. Aschbacher has called on European governments to commit meaningful space funding at CM25, warning that without action, Europe risks falling even further behind the U.S., China, and India.