ESA awards Telespazio UK the Ground Segment contract for TRUTHS Earth Watch Mission

24 June 2025

Telespazio UK has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) as the Prime Contractor for the Ground Segment of the Earth Watch TRUTHS (Traceable Radiometry Underpinning Terrestrial- and Helio-Studies) mission, covering activities from Phase B2 to E1.

The TRUTHS mission is a landmark in climate monitoring and satellite data calibration, designed to deliver metrology-grade Earth Observation data. The contract encompasses the design, development, validation and commissioning of the entire Ground Segment – including the Flight Operations Segment (FOS), Payload Data Ground Segment (PDGS) and ground station links – as well as operations preparation and support through Phase E1.

“With TRUTHS, ESA is setting a new global benchmark for accuracy in Earth observation – vital for climate action and long-term data reliability. This contract with Telespazio UK is a key step towards making that vision a reality.”

Simonetta Cheli, ESA Director of Earth Observation Programmes.

“We are proud to lead the delivery of the TRUTHS Ground Segment. This project strengthens the UK’s national space capabilities and positions us for future ESA and national missions. It’s an exciting step for the entire Telespazio UK team.”

Sarah Macken, CEO of Telespazio UK.

Launched in Phase A in 2020, TRUTHS will serve as a “standards laboratory in space,” enabling cross-calibration for other EO satellites and significantly improving data quality and interoperability.

The mission will also support wider European efforts, such as the Digital Twin Earth Programme, enhancing Earth Observation datasets for better-informed environmental and climate-related decisions.

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