Teaser season 2

This episode features Pierre Bahurel, Director General of Mercator Ocean International, on the Copernicus Marine Service at its 10th anniversary. He reflects on its growth from a French initiative into a pan-European service providing free, reliable forecasts to hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. Pierre highlights the transition from research to operations, the challenge of handling vast ocean models, and the importance of open data. He also looks ahead to the European Digital Twin of the Ocean, which will enable on-demand simulations and broaden access beyond experts. At the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, Mercator showcased this vision while beginning its shift to an intergovernmental organisation. Pierre closes by stressing how Copernicus Marine underpins global cooperation and contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.

In this episode of Let’s Talk EU Space, we introduce Space Situational Awareness, the EU’s key tool for protecting our orbital environment. As space becomes more crowded with satellites and debris, SSA services help track hazards, predict collisions, and safeguard vital infrastructure in orbit and on Earth. From monitoring near-Earth objects to forecasting space weather, this episode breaks down how SSA keeps satellites safe and supports the sustainability of space.

In this episode, Maria Berdahl, Seconded National Expert for Copernicus at the European Commission gives a brief overview of the Expansion Missions and how they will fit into the Copernicus landscape, the policy implications for these new missions, and a little bit about the current Expansion Missions timeline. *Editor’s note: Some of the mission milestones may have shifted since the time of the recording.

This episode explores how the EU Space Programme supports efforts to restore and protect soil health. With tools like Copernicus, Galileo, and EGNOS, the programme provides data and services that help monitor soil conditions, support sustainable farming practices, and inform policies like the proposed EU Soil Monitoring Law. These efforts aim to combat soil degradation and contribute to a healthier environment by 2050.

This episode discusses the Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) and its role in enhancing emergency communications in Europe. Eric Guyader, a Galileo Engineer at the European Commission, explains that EWSS is designed to send satellite-based alerts during disasters, ensuring messages reach people when traditional systems fail due to congestion or damage.Eric shares the history behind EWSS, initially inspired by the 2004 tsunami and revisited after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The service complements existing ground-based alerts by using Galileo’s satellite network, which is independent of terrestrial infrastructure. Demonstrations in 2023 and 2024 across several EU Member States proved EWSS's rapid alert capabilities, transmitting warnings within a minute.As the service nears its 2025 launch, efforts continue to link Galileo with national alert systems, train civil protection authorities, and collaborate with device manufacturers for readiness. EWSS is a critical step towards a more resilient Europe, with interest from global partners like India and Japan.

This episode explores how EU space technologies are revolutionising sports and fitness. It highlights four key use cases where space-based services are making an impact.Firstly, the episode discusses the widespread use of GNSS-enabled wearables like fitness trackers, which leverage Galileo's accurate real-time positioning data. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts use this data to track performance and optimise training. Galileo-enabled devices have become indispensable in field sports, providing valuable biometric and positional data.Next, the podcast covers the use of Copernicus Marine Service for water sports, such as surfing and sailing. It showcases examples like the Cap Optimiste project, which utilised Copernicus data to navigate challenging oceanic conditions.The episode then highlights how Galileo and EGNOS improve safety at sea, offering accurate navigation and search and rescue services through technologies like EPIRBs and Personal Locator Beacons.Finally, the podcast introduces the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service, which provides air quality data for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Apps using this data help users monitor pollution and ensure safer conditions for outdoor activities like running and cycling.

In this episode of "Let's Talk EU Space," host Evan Frank discusses the latest developments in the Galileo satellite navigation system. The episode highlights the addition of two new satellites which are currently in the commissioning phase and expected to be operational later this year. This brings the total number of Galileo satellites to 30, enhancing the system's reliability and precision.The podcast also introduces the Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS), which has completed its demonstration phase and is set to be operational by 2025. This service will transmit alerts to smartphones with GNSS chips, improving emergency communication, especially in remote areas.Looking ahead, the episode covers the upcoming launch of the remaining first-generation satellites and the introduction of second-generation satellites starting in 2026. These new satellites will feature advanced capabilities such as fully digital payloads, electric propulsion, and improved atomic clocks, enhancing the system's accuracy and resilience against interference.Sound clip: Vega’s final countdown and first lift off - ©ESA

In the teaser episode for Season 2 of "Let's Talk EU Space," the podcast announces an expansion in its scope to cover the full range of components within the EU Space Programme and gives some examples of the different topics that will be covered.

Today's episode takes us out to sea, as we will dive deep into how Copernicus is transforming the realm of maritime law enforcement, helping coastal authorities to keep our oceans safe and secure. In fact, oceans and seas are the places where many different types of crime occur, including smuggling of contraband, piracy, and environmental pollution such as oil discharges. And if you think that over 70% of the Earth's surface is covered in water, regulating maritime activity can be a daunting task. Fortunately, law enforcement officials can rely on effective countermeasures to detect and identify unlawful activities. One example? Copernicus’ very powerful eyes on Earth. And we will explore this fascinating topic with our guest, Mr Leendert Bal who is Head of Department Safety, Security and Surveillance at EMSA.

Norway is home to some of the largest glaciers in Europe. You may be familiar with the amazing landscapes of the region, either from having been there yourself or from enjoying them in pictures and videos. However, with rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns, these frozen giants are melting at an unprecedented rate. As you can imagine, this is having a huge impact on the local ecosystems and of course on people’s lives, so we really need to keep a close eye on it. But luckily enough, for this, we can rely on Copernicus and its eyes on Earth. Today with us is Dr. Liss marie Andreassen, Research Professor and Division for Glaciers & ice sheets at the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate.