Doing science at sea is no easy endeavour. Add racing across oceans and heading to a UN conference , and the complexity multiplies. This summer, thanks to satellite connectivity from Eutelsat’s low Earth orbit constellation, OneWeb and the support from the European Space Agency (ESA), and the UK Space Agency, the Kaïros’ We Explore catamaran sailed smarter, safer, and more sustainably on its journey to the UN Ocean Conference in Nice. 

We Explore is a mobile laboratory and a model of eco-innovation. Designed with up to 50% flax fibre, the catamaran combines high-performance sailing with sustainable materials. Originally built for the Route du Rhum transatlantic race, it now serves as a platform for scientific exploration led by experienced sailor Roland Jourdain. The research has mainly consisted in investigating plankton and underwater acoustics of sperm whales in the Mediterranean and in the Atlantic.

Whether racing or conducting research, maintaining reliable communication with land teams is essential. Real-time updates on weather and sea conditions not only improve safety but also support scientific investigations and route optimization. In remote ocean regions, where terrestrial networks fall short, ESA’s Sunrise Partnership Project supports maritime connectivity via Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit satellite constellation.

This collaboration demonstrates how space infrastructure can empower sustainable exploration and scientific progress. It is an example of how space-enabled connectivity can extend the reach of innovation across land, sea, and sky.

The videos below highlight how We Explore maintained seamless connectivity on its way to the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, this June. The Conference aims to safeguard our oceans, a mission directly supported by the two scientific research initiatives conducted aboard the sailboat.

Connectivity at Sea

Providing Satellite Connectivity At Sea – Eutelsat OneWeb
Access the video

European Competitiveness

Supporting Europes Competitiveness In Secure Connectivity – Eutelsat OneWeb
Access the video

The Science Community

Supporting The Science Community – Eutelsat OneWeb

Source: ESA