A UK-built climate-monitoring satellite, HydroGNSS, has successfully entered orbit after launching aboard a SpaceX rocket on November 28, marking a major milestone for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) new Scout programme.
Developed by Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) in Guildford and backed by £26 million from the UK Space Agency, HydroGNSS is the first mission under the Scout initiative—an effort focused on delivering rapid, low-cost Earth observation missions with high scientific value.
Space Minister Liz Lloyd described the launch as another milestone for British space capabilities.
“The launch of HydroGNSS is yet another success story for British space innovation,” she said. “This UK-built satellite will play an invaluable role in tackling some of the most pressing environmental challenges we face on Earth.”
What HydroGNSS Will Do
Now in orbit, HydroGNSS will monitor how water moves around the planet. The satellite will measure variables such as soil moisture, surface flooding, frozen ground, and vegetation coverage—essential data for weather forecasting, flood prediction, agricultural planning, and long-term climate research.
Unlike traditional sensors hampered by cloud cover or vegetation, HydroGNSS uses GNSS Reflectometry, a method that captures GPS-like navigation signals reflected off Earth’s surface. This enables continuous, cost-effective monitoring of environmental change.
A Boost for Climate Science and UK Space Leadership
SSTL Managing Director Andrew Cawthorne celebrated the achievement, noting that HydroGNSS represents SSTL’s 75th and 76th satellites, launched during the company’s 40th anniversary year.
“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,” he said.
The satellites will provide frequent global measurements that improve climate models, enhance understanding of the water cycle, and support disaster response efforts in regions affected by drought, flooding, or extreme weather.
Paul Clements, Director of Operations at the Environment Agency, said the enhanced data will significantly improve the UK’s flood forecasting and warning systems.
“Now more than ever, we must harness cutting-edge technology to protect communities from flooding and other hazards,” he noted.
Part of a Global Network
HydroGNSS complements major international missions—including ESA’s SMOS and Biomass satellites and NASA’s SMAP mission—forming part of a global system tracking environmental and climate changes.
ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, said the mission marks a key step for the Scout series.
“It serves as a reminder of the maturity of the Earth observation sector in the UK,” she said. “HydroGNSS will deliver valuable insights into key hydrological variables that shape Earth’s water cycle.”
The mission highlights how small, low-cost satellites—an area where the UK has strong expertise—are driving innovation and helping deliver critical climate data for the world.
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