OHB Wins EUR 554 Million ESA Contract for Next-Generation Sentinel-3 Altimetry Mission

OHB System AG has been commissioned by the European Space Agency to develop the next generation of the Sentinel-3 topography mission within Europe's Copernicus Earth observation programme. The contract, announced November 4 in Bremen, is valued at EUR 554 million with an option for a second satellite. Sentinel-3 Next Generation Topography, or S3-NGT, will provide data for climate research, environmental monitoring and the observation of oceans, coastlines and ice-covered regions.

The two current Sentinel-3 satellites monitor ocean and ice surface topography, as well as ocean and land color and surface temperature, with all required instruments integrated on each of the two identical spacecraft. For the next generation, the instrument suite will be divided across separate missions. The optical instruments will observe the Earth's surface in the visible, infrared and spectral ranges and measure surface temperature as part of a dedicated mission, while the radar altimeter instruments will fly on both new S3-NGT satellites.

OHB System AG, a subsidiary of OHB SE, will serve as prime contractor, developing the satellites with a European industrial consortium. The two identical satellites will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit and carry state-of-the-art altimetry instruments. Compared with today's Sentinel-3 satellites, the mission will provide improved coverage, shorter revisit times and significantly more precise measurements of sea level height.

Marco Fuchs, CEO of OHB SE, said the company was proud that ESA had entrusted it with the development of the next generation of Sentinel-3 topography satellites. He said the contract reflects the trust placed in OHB's expertise and underscores the strength of the European space industry, adding that the mission will provide critical data for climate research, environmental monitoring and the protection of polar ice caps.

Miguel Such Taboada, ESA Sentinel-3 NG topography project manager, described the signature of the S3-NGT contract as a major milestone for the future of Copernicus altimetry observations. He said the mission builds on the heritage of Sentinel-3 and Sentinel-6, ensuring continuity while delivering a major enhancement in the capability to observe oceans, inland waters and ice.

Ann-Theres Schulz, S3-NGT project manager at OHB System AG, said the mission combines continuity with a significant technological leap forward. She said it will substantially improve the accuracy of height measurements, cover larger areas and enable faster revisit rates, providing the foundation for a deeper understanding of oceans, ice dynamics and the impacts of climate change. She noted the mission brings together Europe's experience from more than four decades of altimetry missions within a single industrial consortium.

According to the named figures, the mission will deliver continuity of Copernicus altimetry observations while significantly enhancing the observation of ocean surfaces, coastal regions, sea ice and inland water surfaces. OHB described the award as a landmark contract that strengthens its leading position in European Earth observation and reflects ESA's reliance on its proven expertise in developing complex satellite systems. Copernicus, the European Union's Earth observation programme, provides continuous data on the state of the Earth, atmosphere and oceans to support policymakers, scientists, businesses and society.

The contract includes an option for a second satellite. A kick-off for S3-NGT took place at ESA's ESTEC facility, marking the start of development work under OHB's role as prime contractor.