Copernicus is the European Union’s revolutionary Earth Observation and Monitoring programme, looking at our planet and its environment for the ultimate benefit of all European citizens. Thanks to a variety of technologies, from satellites in space to measurement systems on the ground, in the sea and in the air, Copernicus delivers operational data and information services openly and freely in a wide range of application areas.

Copernicus satellite data information and access: http://copernicus.eu/

A public good for global benefit

The full, free and open data provided by Copernicus will support regional, national, European and international efforts to identify, respond and adapt to global phenomena, such as climate change, land management, atmospheric pollution, and state of the seas. By supporting Europe’s responsibilities as a global actor involved in peacekeeping, emergency response and humanitarian aid, Copernicus brings benefits to EU citizens as well as to the international Community.

Contributing to the economy

According to an OECD report “the space sector plays an increasingly pivotal role in the functioning of modern societies and their economic development as the use of satellite technology gives rise to new applications, uses and markets.” (http://www.oecd.org/sti/the-space-economy-at-a-glance-2014-9789264217294-en.htm) The OECD estimates that the consumer services or downstream activities account for 58% of the “global space economy” and include actors, which are not part of the space community, but rely on satellite data and signals for their business. In addition to supporting environmental protection and the security of citizens, Copernicus will stimulate European enterprises to explore new growth, business opportunities and foster job creation.

Fostering research and innovation

Copernicus supports cutting-edge research and development by supplying scientists and researchers with regularly-updated information as well as operational products and services. Copernicus creates opportunities for innovation in the development of new, value-added application and services (known as the “downstream” sector) thanks to the full, free and open data policy. Copernicus thus represents a major contribution to the on-going development of Europe’s scientific and industrial capabilities.