Airbus has secured £95 million from the UK Space Agency, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, to lead the satellite design and development phase of the TRUTHS mission.
TRUTHS (Traceable Radiometry Underpinning Terrestrial- and Helio- Studies) is designed to transform Earth observation and climate monitoring by providing highly accurate, traceable measurements. This funding is a pivotal milestone toward establishing a dedicated climate and calibration observatory in space.
Airbus will use the funding to advance the satellite’s design and development. Targeted for launch in 2030, the TRUTHS satellite will measure solar irradiance reaching Earth and the light reflected from the planet’s surface with unprecedented precision.
These measurements will form a reliable baseline for climate data, enabling scientists to benchmark and calibrate other satellite instruments worldwide. The mission’s outputs will strengthen understanding of climate change, improve the accuracy of climate models, and support evidence-based decisions on mitigation and adaptation.
Jean Marc Nasr, Head of Space Systems at Airbus, said: “This contract brings us closer to delivering a mission that allows scientists and climatologists to cross-reference measurements and data, enabling far more accurate forecasts and analysis in a shorter time.”
“TRUTHS will provide the gold standard of calibration for space-based Earth observation,” he added.
Beyond its scientific goals, TRUTHS will boost the UK space sector by fostering high-skilled jobs, supplier opportunities, and innovation across the domestic space industry.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, commented: “This is a major milestone for the TRUTHS mission and excellent news for our world-leading Earth observation sector. The mission will play a vital role in improving how we monitor climate change using satellite data and support the decisive climate action nations are negotiating at COP28.”
The UK is leading TRUTHS in partnership with European contributors including Greece, Spain, Switzerland, Romania, and the Czech Republic, reinforcing international cooperation in space science and climate research.
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