Satellite-Based Hyperspectral Sensors Enhance Monitoring Capabilities
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 23, 2024

Using satellite-based hyperspectral sensors, Orbital Sidekick offers global monitoring services. The company has launched five commercial satellites, including two in March, with plans for a sixth later this year. Co-founder and CEO Dan Katz credits the ISS National Laboratory for helping test their sensor technology.

Hyperspectral imaging identifies specific chemicals and materials, providing insights into pipeline leaks, crop health, wildfire risk, and mining materials. Orbital Sidekick tested its new sensor on the ISS, installed on the Nanoracks External Platform.

An article in Upward, the ISS National Lab's magazine, details Orbital Sidekick's progress. Katz stated, "It allowed us to focus our resources on what's really driving value for our company, which is our intelligence platform, analytics engine, and product development for our end user-that's what's important for our commercialization effort. The mission was wildly successful and really set the table for everything we're doing today with our commercial satellites."

Post-ISS investigation, Orbital Sidekick raised nearly $50 million and signed over a dozen energy companies for pipeline monitoring. The company aims to expand its satellite network to 14 satellites, monitoring pipelines globally on a weekly basis.

See Orbital Sidekick's feature in Upward, "Sensors, Satellites, and Sidekicks."

Related Links
ISS National Lab
Earth Observation News - Suppiliers, Technology and Application