Satellite remote sensing has become an essential tool for addressing global challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss. The Hessian State Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) has been leveraging this technology across a wide range of environmental domains and specialist areas. The first part showcases practical applications of remote sensing data: These include water quality monitoring using the optical Sentinel satellites, the detection of ground movement with SAR data from Sentinel-1, multi-temporal time series analysis for monitoring the condition of and changes in grasslands, and a long-term evaluation of thermal data as part of the Hessian “Hitzeviewer“ (Heat Viewer) project. These examples illustrate the broad potential of remote sensing for modern environmental monitoring. The second part addresses the key challenges in integrating remote sensing data into public administration. These include technical and methodological aspects such as sensor selection, data processing workflows, and the use of artificial intelligence and cloud-based platforms; as well as legal and administrative considerations, including ensuring reproducibility in the face of sensor evolution and the evidentiary value of satellite-derived results. Based on the experiences, we conclude with strategic recommendations for the establishment of satellite remote sensing in official environmental monitoring.