Satellite Earth Observation (EO) provides a wide range of different types of environmental information that are global, comprehensive, accurate, repeatable, and timely; and are key to the effective planning and implementation of development assistance activities. Freely available data, such as the Copernicus Sentinel suite, are globally available which makes it suitable for getting information in areas that are difficult to access. The timeliness and high frequency of its availability also make the data useful for the monitoring aspects and support various aspect of sustainable development.

The European Space Agency (ESA) first began exploring the potential of Satellite EO in the context of development aid or assistance activities during 2010 to 2015. This work has focused on demonstrations of the benefits that a wide variety of EO-based information can bring to the planning and implementation of development projects carried out by key stakeholders, namely the main international financing institutions (IFIs), including Asian Development Bank (ADB).

This initial collaboration has raised significant interest from IFIs, particularly to continue exploring the potential of EO-based information in a more strategic, longer-term collaboration framework identifying complementary responsibilities to be financed using the most suitable sources. These include ESA’s development of state-of-the-art applications, e.g., knowledge development and ADB's implementation in developing member countries (DMCs), such as capacity building and skills transfer.

This ‘Mainstream & Transfer’ phase of EO into development will be implemented in a joint, coordinated initiative: Space in Support of International Development with ESA, World Bank, and ADB, from 2020 to 2024. Henceforward, the discussion will address mainly the activities that ADB will oversee as part of this collaboration.