by Xinhua writers Zhao Jiasong, Gao Wencheng, Zhang Jiawei
DUBLIN, July 1 (Xinhua) -- China and Europe have developed mature Earth observation capabilities and are increasingly able to complement each other by combining their satellite data and scientific expertise, a European Space Agency (ESA) senior official has said.
Rune Floberghagen, head of ESA's Department of Climate Action, Sustainability and Science, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview in Dublin on Tuesday evening that China and Europe have both developed strong Earth observation capabilities and are increasingly complementing each other.
"We all have strong assets in space," he said, adding that the two sides have also developed a shared ambition to use their data and expertise for the benefit of the planet. "We are complementing each other, and using this information together is really a powerhouse."
Floberghagen was in Dublin for the 2026 Dragon 6 Mid-term Symposium. Launched in 2004 by China's Ministry of Science and Technology and ESA, the Dragon Program supports joint Earth observation research using Chinese, European and third-party satellite data.
SCIENTIFIC COOPERATION BUILT ON TRUST
Floberghagen said the program has played a fundamental role in developing Earth science cooperation between China and Europe over the past 22 years.
"It has created hundreds of scientific projects that we have run together," he said. European and Chinese scientists have worked toward common goals and produced knowledge important for understanding the planet and the challenges it faces.
"Without this program, this type of working together between China and Europe would not have happened," he said.
Beyond scientific results, the program has helped researchers build long-term professional and personal ties. "Trust is really the key word here," Floberghagen said.
Scientists share data, information and research methods, and learn how their partners analyze data and approach scientific problems, he said.
"We are, as we say, in the same boat, in a rough ocean," he said. "The planet's challenges do not really know borders. They do not care about geopolitical borders or country borders. They follow the laws of physics."
CHINA'S GROWING CAPABILITIES IN EARTH OBSERVATION
Floberghagen said China has made "tremendous" progress in Earth observation and developed strong capabilities across a wide range of instruments and measurements.
He noted that Earth observation covers not only optical cameras and radar, but also measurements of atmospheric composition, sea level, vegetation, forests, land quality and agricultural conditions.
He said Europe had shared some of its early expertise in Earth observation technologies and data-processing methods with China, which had used that knowledge to build its own capabilities rapidly. The relationship has since become increasingly reciprocal, as Chinese and European missions provide measurements at different times and from different instruments.
"You give your part, Europe gives its part, and together that is actually quite a wonderful thing," he said.
Having visited China several times, Floberghagen said he was also impressed by the country's ability to turn technological decisions into practical applications.
"What impressed me the most in China is when a decision is taken to implement something, it happens relatively quickly," he said. "The decision is really a decision, and it happens according to plan."
Satellite and remote-sensing data can be used by firefighters, flood responders and other frontline personnel, he said, but space specialists and emergency responders must better understand each other's needs.
"You need to bring these two worlds together," he said.
The Dragon Program has so far focused largely on scientific research, data quality and analytical methods, but its emphasis is shifting.
"What we are seeing is an evolution into practical application," he said. "I expect that this will become a bigger part of Dragon in the future."
NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND YOUNG SCIENTISTS
Looking ahead, Floberghagen said China and Europe would work together on new observation technologies and measurements that have only recently become possible from space.
"What I expect from the Dragon collaboration is that we together look into new capabilities that we are now putting into space, new measurements that the world has never seen before," he said.
Potential research areas include changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide, the health of plants and forests, photosynthesis and the evolution of the biosphere. The two sides will compare data from new instruments and explore applications supporting environmental protection and green transition.
Young scientists will also remain an important part of the program.
"Young scientists are overall very focused on preservation of the planet, on green values," Floberghagen said.
He said ESA hopes to create more opportunities for European researchers to work in China and for Chinese researchers to gain experience in Europe.
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