Satellite Vu signs second SpaceX launch contract

The deal will see Satellite Vu’s Mid-wave Infrared (MWIR) imaging satellite launched into Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) aboard a Falcon 9 rocket in early 2024. It follows the first deal signed with SpaceX in February, which will launch the first of Satellite Vu’s planned constellation of satellites in May 2023.

The satellite, which will be a clone of the first, will collect near real-time thermal data of the natural and built environment both day and night. Satellite Vu intends to use this data to analyse heat signatures and the wasted energy of buildings, industrial plants and factories. This aims to assist the transition to a net zero future amidst rising climate concerns.

“Environmental issues are top of the agenda with the summer heatwave and the proliferation of wildfires over the past few months, reminding everyone of the urgent need to take action to provide a hospitable climate for all within our lifetimes,” said Anthony Baker, founder and CEO at Satellite Vu.

“We are excited to have agreed our second deal with SpaceX to launch our thermal monitoring satellites which will guide the improvement and enforcement of environmental standards during this critical time.”

Satellite Vu said it will also support compliance to Energy Performance Certificates (EPC) and sustainability credentials (e.g. ESG) to combat greenwashing claims, by providing measurable data for accurate reporting.

The technology will also be able to measure water pollution and the ‘Urban Heat Island’ effect seen in cities, which has a disproportionate effect on lower income areas, Satellite Vu said. 

Isobel Gray, sustainability officer at Satellite Vu said that reusing the first satellite’s design allows for reduced engineering work, therefore less emissions from the factory, required before launch.

Nell Agate Tsui, Quant ESG analyst at Satellite Vu added: “Earth Observation is all about understanding the world we live in. This useful and rapidly evolving technology allows us to measure a wide variety of physical characteristics and quantify how they change over time. 

“When deployed at scale, merging the previously siloed disciplines of geospatial and financial analytics, this adds an extra dimension to insights, identifying risks and opportunities that can improve financial decision-making.”