On 18 March 2026, OHB Sweden was awarded a EUR 248 million contract to develop and manufacture 20 microsatellites for the EUMETSAT Polar System–Sterna (EPS-Sterna), a new European weather-monitoring constellation. Funded by EUMETSAT’s 30 member states, the program aims to complement Europe’s existing geostationary and polar-orbiting weather satellites. Under the program, ESA is responsible for procuring the satellites on behalf of EUMETSAT, with OHB Sweden serving as the prime contractor for the space segment.
Transition from Prototype to Operational Program
This contract signifies the transition of a successful prototype into a fully operational program. EPS-Sterna builds on the foundation of ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite, which OHB Sweden developed in approximately three years and launched on 16 August 2024. ESA has confirmed that data from the demonstrator is already being used operationally by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), providing technical validation for the constellation concept.
Addressing Observation Gaps in High Latitudes
EPS-Sterna is designed to address a critical data gap in high-latitude regions, where geostationary satellites lack adequate coverage and traditional polar systems take longer to compile comprehensive data. According to EUMETSAT, the constellation’s 20 satellites will enhance global microwave sounding coverage and close key Arctic observation gaps. The first six satellites are scheduled for launch in 2029, with the program expected to support operations through 2042, delivering near-global updates approximately every five hours.
Strategic and Economic Significance
The strategic importance of this contract is evident. EUMETSAT estimates that EPS-Sterna could generate over EUR 30 billion in value for Europe during its 13-year mission, with a benefit-cost ratio of up to 51:1. OHB has described this as the largest satellite contract in Sweden’s space sector history, highlighting its significance for both European meteorological infrastructure and Sweden’s expanding role in space manufacturing.
Enhancing Weather Resilience
Beyond satellite production, this contract focuses on operational weather resilience. EPS-Sterna will enhance Europe’s capacity to collect atmospheric temperature, humidity, and cloud data more frequently, supporting improved weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and faster risk assessments for severe weather conditions in northern regions and beyond. This award underscores Europe’s progression from a rapidly developed Arctic demonstrator to an industrialized satellite constellation designed to have a long-term impact on forecasting.