Thales Alenia Space signs contract with ESA to develop an agricultural digital twin component for sustainable, resilient agriculture

SaveCrops4EU leverages Earth observation and advanced processing techniques to create tools that support an economically and environmentally sustainable agriculture sector, in line with Europe’s Common Agricultural Policy and the European Green Deal.

Luxembourg, March 27, 2025 –Thales Alenia Space, the joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to lead the SaveCrops4EU project. Part of ESA’s Digital Twin Earth programme, this pre-operational digital twin component will enhance agriculture’s resilience to climate change and support agricultural resource management.

The SaveCrops4EU digital twin component will be structured around three major scientific pillars:

• Advanced monitoring using satellite data and agronomic indicators to enable real-time analysis of crop conditions.
• Yield forecasting based on a hybrid modeling approach combining Earth observation data with crop growth models to estimate production volumes at regional level.
• Scenario testing incorporating various abiotic stresses (such as drought and heat) and management strategies (including irrigation and fertilization) through a range of simulations.

About Thales Alenia Space

Thales Alenia Space specializes in the design and manufacture of satellites, space systems and exploration solutions for Earth orbit and deep space. Founded in 2005, it is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), combining the technological expertise of both groups.

Headquartered in France, with sites in Europe and the United States, Thales Alenia Space plays a key role in the global space industry, providing solutions for telecommunications, Earth observation, navigation, defense and space exploration.

Source : ESA