Today ends the 18th European Space Conference, one of the most important platforms to debate critical issues related with space and defence initiatives, national space strategies, and Europe’s role in global partnerships.

During this event a major milestone in space-based weather and climate monitoring was achivied: the first images from Europe’s First Meteorological Infrared Sounder (IRS) in Geostationary Orbit. Earlier this year, EUMETSAT assumed control of Meteosat Third Generation Sounder 1 (MTG-S1), Europe’s first geostationary meteorological sounder satellite. This satellite carries a cutting-edge infrared sounder and the Copernicus Sentinel‑4 mission, offering new data on atmospheric temperature, humidity, and trace gases.

The need for further conditions on research and innovation to mobilizing the Europeans was highlithed by Manuel Heitor on his keynote speech, Chair of the Expert Group on the interim evaluation of Horizon Europe and former Portuguese Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education.

#EuropeanSpaceConf

[MC, 28 January 2026]