Satellite Formations Nine Satellites Deliver a Rich Harvest of Earth Observation Data

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A record nine Earth observation satellites were sent into space from Würzburg in July 2026. They are already delivering a wealth of data that exceeds expectations, demonstrating the potential of satellite formations for practical applications ranging from agriculture and disaster management to climate research.

In July 2026, a record number of nine Earth observation satellites were sent into space from Würzburg (Germany). They have already delivered a much greater volume of data than expected.

For the first time, so many satellites manufactured in Europe were launched for two formations. The common goal of all nine satellites is to make innovative Earth observation methods available for practical applications. The challenges successfully overcome in manufacturing, operations and data acquisition provide an excellent foundation for future multi-satellite missions.

The five satellites of the CuBy mission, manufactured by S4 GmbH and each about the size of a television, will provide timely, large-area information relevant to cartography, agriculture and forestry, as well as nature conservation and disaster management in parts of Bavaria (Germany). Bavaria's Minister of Finance and Home Affairs, Albert Füracker, emphasises: “Our five CuBy satellites—true high-tech ambassadors from Bavaria—have delivered their first high-resolution images of the Earth's surface from space. The first CuBy images show the Earth's surface in distant countries, and we are eagerly looking forward to receiving the first images of Bavaria in the coming weeks. We wish the mission continued success!”

Images of the cloud-free area around Dubai already demonstrate the capabilities of the satellites' multispectral cameras. The Bavarian State Office for Digitisation, Broadband and Surveying, the Technical University of Munich and the Centre for Telematics (ZfT) will significantly increase the information gained in the future by further processing the raw camera data.

During an overflight by the three TOM satellites, the Anak Krakatau volcano in Indonesia erupted at an ideal moment. The rise of the ash cloud to an altitude of 15 km (approximately 9.3 miles) was directly observed. Air traffic was suspended, leaving more than 340,000 passengers stranded at airports. This demonstrated the ability of very small satellites to provide important warning information about natural disasters in a timely manner.

The three TOM satellites, each about the size of a shoebox, were manufactured in Würzburg (Germany) by ZfT and S4 – Smart Small Satelliten Systems GmbH. Simultaneous images taken from different viewing angles make it possible to generate three-dimensional images. As part of the Regional Leader Summit (RLS) cooperation, current data is transmitted to ground stations in Bavaria's partner regions across five continents, enabling timely responses.

Clouds are among the greatest sources of uncertainty in climate predictions. To gain a better understanding of their properties, three scientists—Yoav Schechner (computed tomography; Technion Haifa), Ilan Koren (climate forecasting; Weizmann Institute, Rehovot) and Klaus Schilling (small-satellite formations; Centre for Telematics, Würzburg)—were awarded an ERC Synergy Grant, one of Europe's top research awards.

The CloudCT Precursor demonstration satellite is being used to prepare and optimise a formation of ten additional CloudCT satellites. From 2027, these satellites are expected to investigate the interiors of clouds using computed tomography methods, with the aim of enabling more accurate climate forecasts.

“The data now obtained using polarised light give rise to high scientific expectations, and we look forward to using these new measurement principles to contribute to better climate forecasts,” explains Professor Klaus Schilling, Chairman of the ZfT.

All nine satellites use advanced control technologies that build on the experience gained during the ZfT's four-satellite NetSat mission, conducted in 2020. This is laying the groundwork for the efficient operation of future global satellite networks.

“The satellites coordinate with one another to perform their tasks together as effectively as possible. This opens up an enormous range of potential applications!” explains Oliver Ruf, S4 CTO.

ZfT CEO Daniel Eck adds: “Manufacturing and testing nine satellites in parallel using sophisticated production technologies requires small-batch manufacturing capabilities. These are being researched at the ZfT's ‘Small Satellite Research Factory’, which makes them available to industry.”