Finding specific satellite data

Fraunhofer EMI is developing a new planning tool.

April, 2026. Whether climate research, agriculture, insurance, or disaster management—an increasing number of sectors are working with satellite data. At the same time, the number of satellites and data providers is continuously growing. Experts expect more than 20,000 satellites in orbit by 2030. The consequence: the amount of available data is growing rapidly.

For users, this is precisely the problem. Anyone who needs satellite data for a project is often faced with a confusing landscape of options.
Which mission provides which resolution? Which spectral bands are available? Which provider is behind it? When will the data be available? Research takes time—and therefore money.

Fraunhofer EMI has developed a solution: the webbased tool “EOx,” short for Earth Observation Toolbox. In a central database, scientists record satellite missions along with their technical characteristics—including spatial resolution, spectral bands, and fields of view of the available sensors. A patented calculation method allows users to see at a glance which satellite covers which area at what time and what image data is available. This enables projects to be aligned with suitable data sources at an early stage.

The database is continuously updated and expanded. The goal is to establish EOx as a standard tool for feasibility studies and strategic project planning in the field of satellite-based Earth observation. The system maps temporally and spatially differentiated requirements— including moving “areas of interest” such as shipping routes—and also integrates freely available archive data.

The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) is funding the project. EOx is being deployed as part of the “Multi-SMU,” which runs until 2029.