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Despite its compact size, Estonia is contributing to space exploration — building resilient electronic components, and using its startup and tech potential to ensure cybersecurity. This week, Estonian technology company Datel partnered with European Space Agency (ESA) to develop cutting-edge digital surface models using space-based remote sensing radar data, writes DigiPro. The project tackles the lack of high-resolution, accurate, and current elevation data.
“Current global elevation models are often too low in resolution and accuracy to support detailed local surveys. In addition, current elevation models do not provide up-to-date information about topography and 3D objects,” explained Tõnis Oja, a spatial data services specialist at Datel.
The new digital surface models being developed will leverage sophisticated radar technology from space-based platforms to create more precise and timely topographical data. These enhanced models promise to support a wide range of applications, from environmental monitoring and climate research to urban planning and infrastructure development.
The project benefits is supported by the Estonian University of Life Sciences (Maaülikool), which serves as a research partner. The university will conduct comprehensive drone measurements to validate the accuracy of the radar-based elevation models, ensuring the final products meet the highest standards of precision and reliability.
This new ESA partnership builds upon Datel’s established track record in space technology projects. The company has been collaborating with ESA since 2017, demonstrating consistent capability in handling complex, high-stakes space missions.
Notably, Datel previously conducted a comprehensive study for ESA’s Solar Orbiter mission, one of the largest global space exploration projects in recent years. The Estonian team evaluated database technologies for creating a research archive of heliophysical data, ultimately recommending TimescaleDB after extensive testing with more than half a trillion data points.
“We’re delighted to be part of one of the biggest challenges of the 21st century – the process of comprehensive space exploration,” said Urmas Kõlli, Chairman of Datel’s Management Board. “The fact that ESA entrusted Estonian engineers with this order is a mark of recognition and shows that our IT skills are held in high regard.”
The Datel-ESA partnership also shows the broader success of Estonia’s space sector development. According to Sven Lilla (by Arileht), Head of Space at Tartu Science Park, the Estonian Space Business Incubator has achieved remarkable results since its launch in 2017. The program has supported 36 startups, attracted over €86M in additional investment with just €1.4M in seed funding, created 227 jobs, and generated over €22M in turnover.
