Luxembourg institute secures ESA funding for satellite EO-based Digital Twin of the Earth projects

As part of the European Space Agency’s latest Digital Twin of the Earth initiative, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is leading three new projects. Centered on agriculture, urban resilience, and coastal sustainability, these projects will harness LIST’s expertise in satellite Earth observation (EO) data processing and environmental modelling to address critical global challenges.

The European Space Agency (ESA) initiative focuses on advancing EO-based digital twin components (DTCs) to a pre-operational stage, creating sophisticated digital representations of Earth’s systems. By integrating satellite data, artificial intelligence (AI) and numerical simulations, these DTCs will become vital tools for scientific analysis and informed decision-making. Through this effort, ESA is strengthening the role of EO in tackling complex environmental and societal issues.

EO-based solutions for urban resilience

In the realm of urban resilience, LIST is also contributing to a one-year 'Early Development Action' project, led by Italian company e-GEOS. This initiative aims to tackle urban heat islands and flooding, combining satellite data, advanced modelling techniques and AI for EO to create turnkey solutions for managing climate-induced risks in urban areas.

In this framework, LIST will make use of two of its technologies: a patented radar-based technology enabling accurate flood mapping in cities, combined with the high-resolution monitoring of built-up areas, offering near-real-time satellite imagery updates of urban infrastructures affected by flooding. The researchers will thus explore the impact of various climate scenarios on urban infrastructure, using hydrological models to assess and mitigate risks associated with urban flooding and heatwaves.

“Urban resilience is becoming increasingly important in the face of climate change, and this project offers practical solutions to help cities better prepare for and respond to extreme weather events,” explained Marco Chini, researcher at LIST.

Advanced flood risk maps for coastal areas

LIST is expanding its focus by contributing to a project led by Argans, a UK-based specialist in satellite-based Earth observation and remote-sensing applications. The initiative addresses the increasing risks of coastal erosion, flooding and algal proliferation driven by climate change.

Researchers will develop advanced flood risk maps for coastal areas, modelling various scenarios and the complex interactions between environmental factors such as riverine floods, storm surges, tides and coastal erosion.

Leveraging LIST’s cutting-edge technologies, this two-year initiative will assess both individual and combined impacts of rising sea levels, extreme weather events and storm surges. The resulting models will provide stakeholders with more accurate short- and long-term predictions, supporting strategic planning for coastal protection.

“The combination of advanced satellite data, environmental modelling and AI for EO is key to predicting future risks along our coastlines. By integrating these technologies, we can provide decision-makers with the tools they need to safeguard these particularly vulnerable regions,” said Patrick Matgen, head of the Remote Sensing & Natural Resources Modelling group at LIST.

Remote sensing and AI to address challenges in agriculture

SaveCrops4EU is one of the initiatives selected under the ESA’s Lead Development Actions. This project will develop a DTC for agriculture, providing innovative tools to help European farmers mitigate the effects of climate change. By combining EO data with advanced crop growth modelling and machine learning, the researchers aim to provide the in-season monitoring, forecasting and scenario-testing capabilities crucial for effective agricultural decision-making.

“SaveCrops4EU integrates remote sensing, data assimilation and AI for EO to address the challenges faced by European agriculture. By delivering tailored insights into crop health, water and nitrogen status, we are empowering farmers to make more informed decisions, improving sustainability and productivity,” said Mauro Sulis, joint scientific lead of the project with fellow LIST scientist Martin Schlerf.

The consortium includes a diverse team of European partners, with the main contractor being Thales Alenia Space Luxembourg, and focuses on system design and integration. LIST will manage the integration of data-driven approaches and crop growth modelling, acting as the scientific lead to validate the scientific approaches and models used in the project.

Key player in developing digital replicas

Securing funding for these three projects is a significant achievement, underscoring LIST’s leadership in Earth observation research. The Institute’s interdisciplinary approach positions Luxembourg as a key player in the global effort to develop digital replicas of Earth systems.

“Being part of these pioneering projects is a testimony to LIST’s growing role in global Earth observation and digital twin initiatives. We are proud to contribute to solutions that will have a lasting impact on environmental sustainability and resilience,” concluded Patrick Matgen.