ESA destination earth rendering. Photo: European Space Agency

Thales Alenia Space has won a new contract as Europe looks to use satellite data to bring about a more efficient agriculture ecosystem. Thales signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead the SaveCrops4EU project. Part of ESA’s Digital Twin Earth program, this pre-operational digital twin component will focus on agricultural resilience to climate change and support agricultural resource management. Thales Alenia Space announced the award on March 27.

SaveCrops4EU digital twin component will be structured around three major scientific pillars.

Firstly, advanced monitoring using satellite data and agronomic indicators to enable real-time analysis of crop conditions. Secondly, yield forecasting based on a hybrid modeling approach combining Earth observation data with crop growth models to estimate production volumes at regional level. Finally, scenario testing incorporating stresses such as drought and heat and management strategies like irrigation and fertilization through a range of simulations.

The program will be tested through four use cases in Belgium, Germany, Hungary, and Spain. These real-world validation cases will assess the accuracy of the models, their ability to anticipate weather- and climate-induced stress on agriculture, and their impact on local decisions by stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

“For several years, Thales Alenia Space has been at the forefront of innovation, developing enhanced digital solutions for Earth observation to enhance decision-making and support responsible climate policies. We are proud that ESA renewed its trust in our company with SaveCrops4EU, leveraging the legacy and experience we gained in developing the flood prediction digital twin in 2023,” Étienne Barritault, managing director of Thales Alenia Space in Luxembourg, said in a statement.