The Earth Explorers programme consists of a series of satellites that share the common goal of advancing Earth science by helping answer principal scientific questions through observation of Earth’s key systems.

Data from the Earth Explorers has supported many applications over the past 15 years, and continues to contribute to new discoveries that help understand Earth's climate and the complex interactions between its different elements.

This infographic showcases just a few examples of discoveries and research the Earth Explorers have supported.

The Earth Explorers are each dedicated to observing a different aspect of Earth's system, such as the Cryosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere and Ionosphere as well as Earth's interior.

Starting with the Gravity field and Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) in 2009, five other innovative missions have been launched since then, including EarthCARE (Cloud, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer) in May 2024.