Lithuania’s space business sector continues to move forward as two Lithuanian consortiums, UAB “Geomatrix” and UAB “Coetus,” have become part of a project initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at addressing climate change challenges in the Baltic Sea region (Baltic GTIF). According to Eigirdas Sarkanas, an expert from the Innovation Agency’s “Space Hub” group who helped the companies join the project, this is a significant event that will contribute to the growth of Lithuania’s space ecosystem and increase the country’s competitiveness.
Project Objective and Significance
The project aims to create a digital tool that provides access to current, easily understandable, and completely free satellite Earth observation data. This is one of ESA’s strategic goals to utilize space sector capabilities and technologies in combating climate change.
Services and Actions
During the project, at least five satellite Earth observation data application services will be developed for the public sector, including monitoring heat zones in cities, building heat insulation, forest monitoring, calculating emitted carbon dioxide, and a tool to help farmers adapt to extreme climate conditions when cultivating agricultural products.
Project Initiators and Financing
The project will start in Lithuania and will be implemented in Baltic Sea region countries, with further development planned in Latvia, Estonia, Germany, and Poland. The financing amounts to €642.2 thousand, which will be provided by ESA to UAB “Coetus” and UAB “Geomatrix.” These funds will enable the teams to contribute to the development of the Earth observation tool.
Contribution of Lithuanian Companies
UAB “Geomatrix” will play a significant role in monitoring agricultural crops and helping farmers adapt to climate change. UAB “Coetus” will be responsible for forest monitoring, contributing to addressing climate change challenges and preventing illegal activities.
Results and Future Perspectives
This project demonstrates that Lithuania not only has potential but also real capabilities to contribute to significant international space projects. It opens up new opportunities for Lithuania’s space business sector and enhances the country’s competitiveness in space technology.