Satellite Vu turns to SSTL to become the thermometer of the world

Author: EIS Release Date: Dec 29, 2021

The UK’s Satellite Vu has chosen Surrey Satellite Technology (SSTL) to build its first satellite to provide high-resolution thermal imagery, which will enable carbon emission monitoring.

 

As a mid Wave Infra-Red (MWIR) thermal imaging satellite, it will be the first of a planned constellation of seven and it is due to be launched into low earth orbit (LEO) in Q4 2022.

 

It will be designed to collect thermal of both the natural and the built environment at any location on the planet, at both day and night.

 

 

The London-based Satellite Vu states that the full constellation will have the ability to measure the heat signature of any building multiple times a day. This will enable it to derive insights, in real time, about building heat loss, activity and insulation.

 

 

 

“Our partnership is an ideal blend of SSTL’s pioneering approach and years of small satellite expertise with Satellite Vu’s entrepreneurial approach and strong business case,” said SSTL’s Managing Director, Phil Brownnett. “It’s a game-changing climate change mission and SSTL is very proud to be involved.”

 

Pictured above is SSTL’s DarkCarb design.

 

DarkCarb

SSTL’s DarkCarb is a 100kg class small satellite in the company’s Carbonite range, which has been designed with a high resolution 3.5m GSD MWIR imager with video capability.

 

It uses a MWIR detector designed and supplied by Leonardo, with an array of pixels on an 8um pitch – the smallest thermal mid wave infrared pixels commercially available in the world, says SSTL.

 

“The satellite’s video generation capability adds unique advantages over traditional MWIR imagery, allowing the detection of highly dynamic features in scenes to be provided and extracted, such as 3D profiles, movement tracking, and speed measurement useful for a range of applications relating to human activity, including defence and security and disaster monitoring.

 

Satellite Vu’s MWIR satellite will fly a water propulsion system capable of providing more than 130m/s delta-V, allowing the selection of lower orbits to improve GSD, and other orbital manoeuvers such as altitude maintenance or phasing.”

 

According to SSTL, the water-based system reduces launch site handling costs and schedule, and the modular nature of the propulsion system means the number of tanks can be reduced depending on customer requirements.

 

Thermal footprints

Back in October 2021, Satellite Vu, which aims to monitor the thermal footprint of any building on the planet, raised £15m in Series A funding. It was the second successful raise in the last six months, for a total of £19m.

 

The company also received an additional £1m grant from the UK Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP).

 

The company’s goal is that the data captured can be updated every 1 to 2 hours, and the use of infrared means coverage will be guaranteed even at night. For example, the data will be able to show if any individual building is being heated efficiently or which parts of a city are the worst emissions offenders.

 

The new funding will allow the company to launch seven British-made satellites into space, it said, and become the ‘thermometer of the world’:

 

“Satellite Vu will become the thermometer of the world,” said Satellite Vu CEO Anthony Baker. “With the climate change emergency reaching critical levels, our insights will enable any business, building owner or government on the planet to obtain an independent, ongoing assessment of their energy wastage, efficiency and including the ability to monitor water pollution.”