Skip to main content
Newsletter Sign up newsletter signup
Title Image

Earth Observation Science

Leading global change from above

Space Park Leicester is a world-leading centre for Earth observation research – where satellites, science, and societal impact converge.

At the heart of this work is the National Centre for Earth Observation (NCEO), hosted at Space Park Leicester and led by Professor John Remedios. Backed by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), NCEO brings together over 130 top scientists from across the UK’s most respected universities and research organisations. Together, they form a national capability in Earth observation science – driving insight, policy and progress on a planetary scale.

From Space to Surface: Tracking the Pulse of Our Planet

Earth observation isn’t just about watching—it’s about understanding, modelling and influencing change on Earth. At Space Park Leicester, we’re leading on multiple fronts:

Surface Temperature Group

Specialists in land surface temperature science, our Leicester-based team focuses on the retrieval, validation and exploitation of data from spaceborne sensors and surface models. The group has played a critical role in major ESA missions including ATSR and Sentinel-3, enabling more accurate environmental forecasting and resource management.

Earth Observation Science Group

Working shoulder-to-shoulder with international agencies like UK Space Agency, ESA, NASA, and JAXA, our Earth Observation Science Group helps shape, propose, and evaluate the next generation of EO satellite missions. Their contributions support flagship climate programmes including the ESA Climate Change Initiative and the EU Copernicus Climate Change Service, ensuring Leicester is at the heart of Europe’s space-based environmental strategy.

Satellites & Societies: COVID-19 and Air Quality

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Earth observation delivered insight like never before.

Professor Paul Monks, an atmospheric scientist at Leicester and Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, led ground-breaking work analysing satellite data. Images captured before, during and after lockdown revealed dramatic changes in emissions, providing new understanding of how industrial and transport behaviours impact air quality and public health.

This work powerfully demonstrated the real-world value of satellite science—and how it can shape smarter, healthier futures.

The Future is Now: MicroCarb Mission

Launching in July 2025, MicroCarb will be Europe’s first satellite dedicated to measuring global atmospheric CO₂. Scientists from NCEO at Space Park Leicester are deeply involved in mission design and will lead efforts to analyse the data it returns.

By measuring carbon emissions from both natural ecosystems and human activity, MicroCarb will support evidence-based decision-making on climate change—from local action to global policy.

Why It Matters

From tackling the climate crisis to supporting clean air strategies and sustainable urban development, Earth observation at Space Park Leicester empowers decision-makers with trusted, high-impact data.

We don’t just watch the Earth.
We help protect it.
We shape its future.

Join the mission
Explore our projects, partner with our researchers, or discover how satellite science can power your organisation’s sustainability goals.

Partner with us: innovate@space-park.co.uk