In collaboration with the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), the European Space Agency (ESA), and other consortium partners, Supersite is establishing an Arctic calibration and validation center in Sodankylä. In May, the initiative also received national recognition when it was selected as one of the four winners of Data Spaces Alliance Finland’s Data Economy Solutions 2026.
The Supersite initiative in Sodankylä develops data services that improve the quality and accessibility of Arctic satellite measurement data for researchers and organisations across Europe. By combining in-situ measurements, satellite observations, and advanced data services, the site supports more reliable global climate monitoring.
Why Arctic validation matters
Earth observation satellites depend on accurate ground-based calibration and validation data. In the Arctic, this is especially important as northern ecosystems differ significantly from warmer regions.
“Supersite supports ESA’s upcoming Copernicus CO2M mission, which monitors human-produced carbon dioxide emissions globally. The Sodankylä site will provide key reference measurements for validating greenhouse gas observations, including CO₂ and methane in Arctic conditions”, explains Technical Lead Miika Jokinen from Gofore.
As climate change affects northern regions faster than many other areas, stronger calibration capabilities will help improve forecasts and climate models both in Finland and internationally.
Building more intelligent Arctic data services
In spring 2026, Supersite completed its design phase, during which the work focused on developing future data services that make Arctic measurement data easier to access and use globally.
“Gofore has a unique combination of expertise in software development, satellite data processing, and scientific computing. Participation in Supersite development activities allows us to combine our core competences”, says Jokinen.
A successful ESA review meeting in Sodankylä in April 2026 confirmed the consortium’s readiness to move into the next phase of implementation.
Strengthening Europe’s space ecosystem
Measurements from Sodankylä have already supported the validation of international satellite missions, including ESA’s Sentinel-5P/TROPOMI sensors monitoring ozone and nitrogen dioxide worldwide. Supersite is expected to significantly expand these capabilities.
“The developments will improve general data availability, enabling new scientific research and industry collaboration”, Jokinen adds.
As one of Europe’s first Arctic calibration and validation infrastructures, Supersite sets a new benchmark for future observation facilities by combining advanced measurement capabilities with modern digital services to deepen understanding of a rapidly changing planet.
“Supersite provides measurements of the Arctic environment for research and satellite calibration and validation activities. The added value of Supersite measurements comes from end-users applying the open data products to their own applications. The new data system improves accessibility and usability of Sodankylä Supersite data”, says Anna Kontu, co-PI of Sodankylä Supersite.
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