Airbus and Thales Awarded €345 Million Contract to Enhance Copernicus Program

Berlin – 10.06.2026: Airbus and Thales have signed a €345 million contract to develop and produce two advanced C-band radar instruments for the upcoming Sentinel-1 NG constellation of the European Copernicus program. This contract was announced at the ILA Berlin Air Show and underscores the ongoing collaboration between the two companies in the field of Earth observation.

The new radar instruments will provide critical data for the global fight against climate change. They enable precise monitoring of sea-level rise, glacier movements, and ground deformations. Unlike optical sensors, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology works effectively through clouds and in total darkness, allowing continuous observation in all weather conditions.

Compared to the first generation of Sentinel-1 satellites, the NG constellation offers significantly improved performance. The swath width will be increased to 400 km, compared to 250 km in the first generation, and the geometric resolution will improve fourfold. Additionally, the new generation will extend coverage to both poles by utilizing advanced active beam steering through Multiple Aperture Processing Scheme (MAPS) technology.

Airbus will develop and test the radar instruments in Friedrichshafen, Germany. Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), will be responsible for the assembly, integration, and testing of the two satellites. The first launch of the Sentinel-1 NG constellation is planned for 2034, with continuous data provision expected into the 2040s.

This partnership builds on the successful collaboration of the two companies within the Copernicus program. Airbus was already involved in the development and construction of all four radar instruments for the previous Sentinel-1 satellites, which were launched between 2014 and 2025. Thales Alenia Space acted as the main contractor during that time.

The Copernicus program is the Earth observation component of the European Space Program, monitoring our planet and its environment for the benefit of all Europeans. It provides accurate, timely, and accessible information to improve environmental management, combat climate change, and support civil security. As the world’s most advanced Earth observation system, Copernicus delivers continuous, free, and reliable data and services to public authorities, businesses, and citizens worldwide.

The collaboration between Airbus and Thales on this project strengthens European expertise in Earth observation and contributes to the further development of the Copernicus program. By providing highly precise data, it makes important contributions to monitoring and understanding environmental changes, which is crucial for developing effective strategies to combat climate change.