From orbit to research: constellr thermal data now accessible via ESA Third Party Missions programme

With SkyBee-1 and SkyBee-2 successfully launched and operational in orbit, constellr has moved from mission development into sustained, operational data delivery.

Supported along the way by programmes of the European Space Agency, including ESA InCubed, we are now taking the next step: making our thermal infrared data available for non-commercial scientific research through ESA’s Third-Party Mission framework.

This marks an important milestone, not just for constellr, but for researchers seeking access to operational thermal intelligence through a trusted ESA pathway.

Operational thermal intelligence, now in orbit

constellr operates thermal infrared satellites designed to measure Land Surface Temperature and thermal dynamics with high spatial and temporal resolution.

With two satellites in orbit, we now provide:

• day- and night-time thermal observations, independent of sunlight

• repeatable revisit capability, enabling monitoring over time rather than single snapshots

• high-precision temperature measurements, not inferred proxies

• an operational system designed for continuity, reliability, and scale

Thermal data reveals how systems behave, not just how they look. It adds a physical dimension to Earth observation that complements optical and radar data, enabling analysis of activity, stress, and change.

These capabilities support research across multiple verticals, including:

• climate and environmental monitoring

• infrastructure and industrial activity

• resilience and critical asset monitoring

Enabling scientific use through ESA

By becoming part of ESA’s Third Party Missions, constellr data can now be accessed by non-commercial research projects under ESA’s Announcement of Opportunity.

This framework allows researchers to work with operational thermal data while benefiting from:

• a structured and transparent access process

• alignment with ESA research standards

• collaboration with an active satellite operator

“With SkyBee-1 and SkyBee-2 in orbit, we are now in a position to support scientific research with operational thermal data. constellr’s thermal data add a new dimension to map high resolution surface temperature as one of the key essential climate variables to monitor human activity and environmental processes.  Making this data accessible through ESA is a natural step in building long-term value from thermal intelligence.”
Dr. Daniel Spengler, CTO constellr

“High-resolution LST data is very valuable for different research topics ranging from Urban Heat Islands, to monitoring of inland waters, detection of vessels and sea ice under varying environmental conditions amongst many other use cases. ESA is pleased to include the data from Constellr into the TPM portfolio to unlock new research opportunities. “ Peggy Fischer, Mission Manager of ESA Third Party Missions (TPMs) and Copernicus Contributing Missions (CCMs)

How to engage

Researchers interested in using constellr data should apply via ESA’s Announcement of Opportunity for constellr.

We recommend contacting the constellr team ahead of time to discuss feasibility, particularly for archive data requests. As a self-service archive is not yet available, early coordination helps ensure alignment with mission coverage and timelines. For initial inquiries, researchers are encouraged to reach out to Kuzivakwashe Nyarugwe or one of our Customer Success Managers (CSMs).

Learn more

To explore applications, background, and technical context, visit our Knowledge Center.
For eligibility criteria and application details, refer to ESA’s Announcement of Opportunity for constellr.

Thermal intelligence is now operational and increasingly accessible for scientific exploration.