Enhancing Earth Observation: China and ESA's Latest Collaboration in Dragon Program

China and the European Space Agency (ESA) have come together to enhance their Earth observation efforts through a new agreement. The Dragon Program conference recently took place in Lisbon, Portugal, where experts and scholars from both China and Europe gathered to discuss the achievements of Dragon 5 and introduce the new projects under Dragon 6. This collaboration focuses on utilizing the latest Earth observation technology and satellite remote sensing technology for environmental protection and disaster mitigation.

The opening ceremony of the conference saw China and Europe signing a cooperation agreement for Phase 6 of the Dragon Program, which will be in effect from 2024 to 2028. This agreement covers various key themes such as land, atmosphere, climate change, and big data. It aims to promote the sharing and application of Earth observation data through collaborative research, academic exchanges, and talent training between the two regions.

China's ambassador to Portugal, Zhao Bentang, highlighted the significance of the Dragon Program in fostering scientific and technological cooperation between China and Europe. He emphasized the contributions made by both parties towards global scientific innovation and talent cultivation. Dai Gang, director-general of the Department of International Cooperation at China's Ministry of Science and Technology, mentioned in a video speech that the collaborative efforts within the Dragon Program have led to internationally leading research results and provided support in addressing global challenges like climate change.

Gao Xiang, director-general of the China Science and Technology Exchange Center, mentioned the continuous improvement in the Dragon Program's cooperation mechanisms and the expansion of research fields and data sources over the past two decades. The program has played a significant role in the economic and social development of both regions by involving a larger number of scientists and broadening the scope of research. Josef Aschbacher, director-general of ESA, praised the Dragon Program as one of the most successful cooperative projects between China and Europe. He highlighted the exchanges between scientists and the application of technological advancements facilitated by the program.

With the new agreement in place for Phase 6 of the Dragon Program, China and Europe are poised to further enhance their collaboration in Earth observation and continue making strides in technological advancements for the benefit of both regions and global challenges. The long-standing partnership between the two entities has proven to be fruitful in fostering innovation and scientific progress.