The Copernicus programme provides access on a full, free and open basis to its Sentinel data and the Copernicus services information products. In addition to Earth Observation data provided by the Sentinel satellites, the missions contributing to Copernicus, the so-called Copernicus Contributing Missions, play a crucial role, delivering complementary data to ensure that a whole range of observational requirements is satisfied. This activity is operated by ESA (‘the Agency’) on behalf of the European Commission.

The Agency has established a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the procurement of commercial Earth Observation data from Copernicus Contributing Missions. The DPS for Copernicus Contributing Missions is a completely electronic process whose characteristics, governance and processes are described in the DPS Specifications.

Different categories will be included within the lifetime of this DPS; Category 1: European Earth Observation Emerging Data Suppliers; being the first one to be opened. Eligible are European operators developing, owning and/or operating an Earth Observation satellite (s) or operating a function part of the data delivery chain but not owning nor operating an Earth Observation mission/constellation. The Agency is planning to open additional Categories, e.g. for European Earth Observation Established Data Suppliers in the near future.