ESA Selects OHB Czechspace's SOVA-S Mission for Further Development

OHB Czechspace's SOVA-S satellite mission has been chosen by ESA's Earth Observation Program Board for the next development phase. This decision follows a detailed 10-month evaluation. SOVA-S is part of ESA's Scout program under FutureEO, complementing the Earth Explorer missions. The program focuses on creating value-added science through miniaturized technologies or novel observing techniques. Scout missions utilize small satellites, aiming for rapid and cost-effective development.

The SOVA-S mission plans to provide nearly global, daily observations of atmospheric gravity waves in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere. These data are expected to improve climate and space-weather models, enhancing atmospheric forecasting. This, in turn, could lead to better GNSS positioning, crucial for aviation. OHB Czechspace will lead satellite development, marking a significant collaboration between Czech and German partners.