About the CEOS Database

Missions, Instruments, Measurements and Datasets

The CEOS Database is updated annually based on a survey of CEOS member space agencies and has a number of applications.
  • Information sharing in support of the coordination of future Earth observation mission, instrument, and measurements plans.
  • Earth observation measurement gap analysis - including that performed by the CEOS Systems Engineering Office (SEO) .
  • A connection between the Earth observation user community and satellite-operating agencies of CEOS.
  • Generation of content for the print edition of The Earth Observation Handbook .
The CEOS Database is updated annually (usually October/November). It is the only official consolidated statement of the programmes and plans of CEOS Agencies. Contents are provided by CEOS Agencies, and while best efforts are made to keep the database up to date, information from individual agencies supersedes information presented here.

Contents

The database currently features details of 522 Earth observing satellite missions and 1065 instruments (535 distinct instruments, some being repeats), which are currently operating or planned for launch in the next 15 years - funded and operated by around 30 CEOS space agencies worldwide.
Missions
Instruments (Distinct)
Operating:
Approved:
Planned:
Considered:
Operating:
Being developed:
Approved:
Proposed:
776 (372)
151 (95 )
76 (37)
62 (31)
The last CEOS Agency survey was completed in October 2024.

Website

Agency table with links to agency summary pages.

Table Searchable mission table with links to mission and instrument summary pages.

Index An alphabetical list with links to mission summary pages.

Table Searchable instrument table with links to instrument and mission summary pages.

Index An alphabetical list with links to instrument summary pages.

Overview An overview of the measurement categories and detailed measurements indexed in the database.

Timelines Customizable measurement timelines with links to mission summary pages.

Activity Checkout datasets and recent data releases and activity.

Overview An overview of satellite contributions to climate monitoring in support of GCOS.

Index An index of GCOS Essential Climate Variables linked to actions, status, and satellite measurements.

Links

EO Handbook Status and plans for Earth observation satellite programmes.

eoPortal The eoPortal aims to open the door to the world of Earth Observation resources.

COVE Satellite coverage visualisation.

GCOS Essential Climate Variables (ECVs).

CEOS Coordination of civil space-borne observations of the Earth.

CelesTrak SATCAT Launch information and orbital tracking.

UCS Satellite Database In-depth details on the satellites currently orbiting Earth from the Union of Concerned Scientists.

OSCAR/Satellite Details of environmental satellite missions, instruments, and related information from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Contact

You can contact the CEOS Database team via email ceosmim@gmail.com and @EOHandbook