The UK will host the 40th International Symposium on Remote Sensing of Environment (ISRSE-40) at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, Hampshire, from 17 to 21 March 2025. ISRSE-40 will run alongside the inaugural Farnborough International Space Show, an event which will pioneer the commercial space age.

Convened biennially since 1962, the Symposium is a global summit for world-renowned experts to share crucial, emerging knowledge in pursuit of protecting the planet and its people from harm.

The Symposium will host multiple international agencies including NASA and ESA, leading scientists, researchers, policymakers, and practitioners all dedicated to the advancement of remote sensing technologies and the data analysis pivotal to Earth observation capabilities and space applications.

Titled ‘Synergy in Sight: Harnessing Earth Observation for Sustainable Development’, the symposium will emphasise the integration of scientific and technological disciplines through Earth observation to promote sustainability, as well as nurturing the next generation of space professionals in the sector.

Organised by the International Committee for Remote Sensing of Environment (ICORSE), the biennial symposium will run alongside the Farnborough International Space Show 2025 thereby uniting key constituents of the international space community. Collaboration will foster innovation across the fields of remote sensing, Earth observation, and the wider international space ecosystem to drive sector advancements and accelerate new technologies.

A partnership between a consortium of UK-based organisations, including Farnborough International, National Centre for Earth Observation and Space South Central, and ICORSE, the event will foster international collaboration, drive innovation, and address key global challenges including climate change, resource management, and disaster response. Figures from ADS Group indicate significant growth to the UK space industry which directly employs 48,800 people, delivering high value jobs for a highly skilled workforce, and supports 2,300 apprentices across the sector. Turnover growth continues to increase year on year, reaching £17.5 billion in 2022 and adding £7 billion to the UK economy, with space exports valued £5.9 billion to the UK in 2022.

Discussing the announcement, John Latham, President, International Centre for remote Sensing of the Environment, said: “Hosting ISRSE40 offers a pivotal moment for the UK to affirm its leadership in the global space community, driving forward our commitments to innovation, education, and sustainable development. We are poised to deliver a conference that not only addresses today’s challenges but also inspires solutions for the future.”

Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “We are thrilled to be the host venue of this monumental event, alongside the launch of the Farnborough International Space Show. For decades, the UK, and Farnborough in particular, has been a catalyst for pioneering new technologies and forging powerful relationships, so to convene the global space industry on our historic site is an invaluable opportunity to cement the UK’s position at the forefront of the international space market for academia, manufacturing and innovation.”

Steve Volz, from NOAA Federal, added: “NOAA is very impressed with the breadth and depth of the UK proposal to host ISRSE-40 alongside the Farnborough International Space Show next March.

“There is increasing demand across all scales of decision making for critical Earth observations and remote sensing information to help us understand our changing climate, manage our natural resources, and prepare and respond to natural hazards. At the same time, the rapid pace of technological advancement and a growing commercial space sector are changing the way we collect and exploit earth observations. ISRSE-40 will bring together the scientists, applied users, and space industry to advance innovation through enhanced collaboration, helping us all take action for people, the planet and prosperity. NOAA receives important contributions from all of these participants.”

The Farnborough International Space Show is the UK’s largest international event pioneering the commercial space age and advancing space domain defence. The inaugural annual exhibition and conference is a catalyst for the future of international space innovation, connecting the space ecosystem across industry, defence, government and academia on a global scale.

Register your interest in ISRSE-40 here

2025 is set to be a landmark in humanity’s journey beyond Earth, with significant missions and groundbreaking projects planned by space agencies and private companies worldwide.

  1. NASA’s Artemis III Mission

One of the most eagerly awaited events of 2025 is NASA’s Artemis III mission. This mission aims to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time since 1972. Artemis III will see astronauts land near the lunar South Pole, an area believed to contain water ice, which could be crucial for future long-term lunar missions. The mission will not only focus on scientific research but also on testing technologies that will be vital for future Mars missions.

  1. SpaceX’s Starship Missions

Elon Musk’s SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space travel with its Starship spacecraft. In 2025, SpaceX plans to conduct several Starship missions, including an uncrewed cargo mission to Mars. This mission aims to demonstrate the capability of the Starship system for interplanetary travel and lay the groundwork for future manned missions to the Red Planet. Additionally, SpaceX is working on lunar missions as part of NASA’s Artemis program, and 2025 could see significant milestones in this partnership.

  1. ESA’s ExoMars Rover Launch

The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch the ExoMars Rover, named Rosalind Franklin, in 2025. This mission, in collaboration with Roscosmos, aims to search for signs of past life on Mars and understand the history of water on the planet. The rover is equipped with a drill capable of reaching two meters below the Martian surface, where biosignatures from the planet’s ancient past might be preserved.

  1. China’s Lunar and Mars Missions

China’s space agency, CNSA, has ambitious plans for 2025. Following the success of its Chang’e missions, CNSA plans to launch Chang’e 7, which aims to explore the lunar South Pole, focusing on surface and subsurface investigations. Additionally, China is expected to advance its Mars exploration with potential missions that build on the success of the Tianwen-1 mission, which included an orbiter, lander, and rover.

  1. India’s Gaganyaan Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to make history with its Gaganyaan mission, India’s first manned spaceflight. Planned for 2025, this mission will send Indian astronauts, known as vyomanauts, into low Earth orbit. This mission marks a significant milestone for India’s space program, demonstrating its capability to conduct human spaceflight and paving the way for future interplanetary missions.

  1. Blue Origin’s Orbital Reef

Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is working on an ambitious project called Orbital Reef, a commercial space station intended to be a mixed-use business park in space. While the complete station won’t be operational by 2025, significant progress and key module launches are expected this year. Orbital Reef aims to provide a versatile and sustainable environment for commercial, research, and tourism activities in low Earth orbit.

  1. Rocket Lab’s Venus Mission

Rocket Lab, a small satellite launch company, is venturing into interplanetary missions with its planned mission to Venus in 2025. The mission aims to send a small probe to study Venus’ atmosphere and search for signs of life, specifically in the planet’s upper cloud layers where conditions might be more hospitable.

 These missions reflect the growing collaboration between international space agencies and private companies, each contributing unique capabilities and innovations to the collective endeavour of space exploration.

Are you interested in discussing these future-altering launches with the global space community? Join us at the Farnborough International Space Show, taking place 19-20 March 2025 in Hampshire, UK.

The space industry is experiencing an unprecedented transformation, fuelled by rapid advancements in technology, strategic collaborations, and increasing investments.

As we head towards 2025, the Farnborough International Space Show team is exploring the key trends defining the commercial and defence sectors of the space ecosystem and the impacts they will have on shaping the future.

Proliferation of Small Satellites

Small satellites, also known as ‘smallsats’, are revolutionising the space industry. These relatively new pieces of technology, often weighing less than 500 kg, offer cost-effective and flexible solutions for a variety of applications, from Earth observation to telecommunications. In 2025, we are anticipating the deployment of smallsats increase due to their lower launch costs and the ability to deploy constellations that provide global coverage for both civil and military applications.

Key Impacts:

Commercial Space Tourism

Space tourism is no longer a distant dream. Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic are pioneering efforts to make space travel accessible to private citizens. In 2025, we will witness regular suborbital and orbital flights carrying tourists, marking the beginning of a new era in commercial space travel.

Key Impacts:

Space-Based Manufacturing and Resource Utilisation

The concept of manufacturing in space is gaining traction. Microgravity conditions allow for the creation of materials and products that are difficult or impossible to produce directly on Earth. Additionally, the extraction of resources from celestial bodies like asteroids and the Moon is becoming a viable industry.

Key Impacts:

Defending A New Domain & Public-Private Collaboration

As we have seen over the last few years, the defence sector is placing a greater emphasis on space as a strategic domain. Nations are developing capabilities to protect their assets and interests in space, leading to the establishment of space forces and the enhancement of satellite defence mechanisms. This has led to more collaboration between private companies and government agencies and is proving to be a powerful driver of space innovation. We expect this to be the main objective of industry leaders in 2025. These partnerships are enabling ambitious projects, such as the development of next-generation launch systems and deep space exploration missions.

Key Impacts:

AI and Automation in Space Missions

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are becoming integral to space missions, from satellite operations to interplanetary exploration. The use of autonomous spacecraft and AI-driven data analysis will be accelerated in 2025, enhancing mission efficiency and reducing the need for human intervention.

Key Impacts:

Expansion of Lunar and Martian Exploration

Lunar and Martian exploration efforts are intensifying. NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon, while private companies and international partners are also focusing on lunar missions. Mars continues to be a target for future human exploration, with ongoing robotic missions paving the way into next year.

Key Impacts:

Sustainability and Space Debris Mitigation

As space activities increase, so does the concern over space debris. Efforts to mitigate space junk and promote sustainable practices are becoming critical. Technologies for debris removal and satellite end-of-life management are being developed and implemented.

Key Impacts:

The space industry in 2025 will be characterised by rapid advancements and expanding horizons. From the proliferation of small satellites to the international collaboration between the public and private sectors, each trend is contributing to a more interconnected and ambitious space landscape.

As the industry and its sectors continue to evolve, the integration of cutting-edge technologies, in addition to regulated sustainable and safe practices will be key to shaping the future of space exploration and global utilisation.

Are you interested in pioneering the commercial space sector and advancing space domain defence? Join the global space community at the Farnborough International Space Show, taking place 19-20 March 2025 in Hampshire, UK.