Business
Expansion of ESA’s Scout program: SOVA-S mission led by OHB Czechspace selected for further development
Expansion of ESA’s Scout program: SOVA-S mission led by OHB Czechspace selected for further
About this update from Ohb Se
EQS-News: OHB SE / Key word(s): Miscellaneous Expansion of ESA’s Scout program: SOVA-S mission led by OHB Czechspace selected for further development 21.05.2026 / 11:00 CET/CEST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Expansion of ESA’s Scout program: SOVA-S mission led by OHB Czechspace selected for further development The SOVA-S satellite mission, led by OHB Czechspace, has been selected by ESA’s Earth Observation Program Board as one of two missions to proceed to the next development phase, following a rigorous 10-month evaluation. SOVA-S is part of ESA’s expanding Scout program under the FutureEO initiative, complementing the agency’s established Earth Explorer missions. Scout missions are designed to provide value-added science, either by miniaturizing existing space technologies or by demonstrating new observing techniques. Each mission is based on small satellites, embracing the concept of New Space by adhering to rapid development timelines (launch within three years from project kick-off) and prioritizing cost efficiency (budget of under €35 million). The SOVA-S mission will deliver near-global, daily observations of atmospheric gravity waves in the upper mesosphere and lower thermosphere (~80–120 km). These waves play a key role in atmospheric dynamics at high altitudes. By improving the parameterization of these processes in climate and space-weather models, the mission is expected to enhance forecasting capabilities for the middle and upper atmosphere. The resulting data will contribute to a better understanding of extreme weather phenomena and support improved GNSS positioning accuracy, which is critical for aviation. OHB Czechspace leads the satellite development as prime contractor. Vít Pavelec, Managing Director of OHB Czechspace: „The selection of SOVA-S for further development is a major milestone for our team and for the Czech space sector. The mission addresses a fundamental scientific challenge – understanding atmospheric gravity waves and their impact on climate and space weather. As prime contractor, we are proud to lead the development of what will be the largest satellite ever built in the Czech Republic. Equally important is the strong Czech-German cooperation, particularly with DLR and industrial partners. This partnership demonstrates Europe’s ability to combine excellence across borders to deliver ambitious space missions.” Contact: Media representatives: Marianne Radel Corporate Communications Phone: +49 421 2020 9159 Email: [email protected] Investors and analysts: Marcel Dietz Investor Relations Phone: +49 421 2020 6426 Email: [email protected] 21.05.2026 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group . The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. View original content: EQS News Language: English Company: OHB SE Manfred-Fuchs-Platz 2-4 28359 Bremen Germany Phone: +49 421 2020 8 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.ohb.de ISIN: DE0005936124 WKN: 593612 Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate BSX EQS News ID: 2331304 End of News EQS News Service 2331304 21.05.2026 CET/CEST