Named in homage to its unique thermal imaging capabilities, HotSat-1 is the first satellite in their planned constellation to be launched by SatVu.
Now in orbit, SatVu’s space-enabled climate technology will provide valuable and unique insight into economic activity and energy efficiency for a range of industries aligning with global Net Zero goals.
The HotSat-1 data will enable industries, organisations and governments to take urgent and critical action. SatVu has already secured customer commitments through its Early Access Option Programme (EAP) valued at over £128m ($160m).
Designed and manufactured in the UK in partnership with Surrey Satellite Technologies (SSTL), the teams seamlessly incorporated state-of-the-art thermal imaging technology into the design of HotSat-1, catapulting it to the forefront of innovation in satellite capabilities.
This achievement signifies a major milestone for SatVu's commercial ventures, with HotSat-1 being the first of eight satellites planned for launch. Through extensive aerial testing in the UK and Europe, SatVu has primed HotSat-1 to deliver unparalleled thermal monitoring capabilities.
Anthony Baker, CEO and Founder of SatVu comments on the successful launch:
“What a week! This is an incredible achievement for the team, our stakeholders, our partners who worked with us to make today a reality and our investors who have supported our vision for a better future.
Having our first satellite in orbit is a phenomenal moment for us all, opening up a vast range of applications for a more sustainable planet, and we are all so excited about the future and the next stages of our growth.”
HotSat-1's insights will illuminate the path to energy efficiency, offering substantial cost-saving benefits to both the public and private sectors. As satellite data already contributes to 50% of all climate change metrics, the addition of SatVu's infrared dataset will be a true game-changer in monitoring the impact of human activity on the planet.
From assessing heat loss in structures to measuring energy efficiency, HotSat-1's geospatial data will empower strategic planning to expedite the journey towards decarbonization globally.
Built by Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL), HotSat-1 boasts a groundbreaking 3.5m resolution mid-wave infrared imager with astonishing video capability, all while maintaining a sensitivity of less than 2 degrees Celsius.
This unparalleled satellite video generation capability enables the detection of highly dynamic features and the creation of 3D profiles, facilitating a multitude of applications. From mitigating the effects of heat islands in urban centres to monitoring industrial processes, waterway pollution, ensuring energy efficiency, and assessing the health of solar farms, HotSat-1 is set to transform industries across the globe.
Phil Brownnett – SSTL Managing Director,
“This is a very exciting mission for SSTL and we are delighted our in-orbit commissioning team have successfully made first contact with HotSat-1.
Many busy days are ahead of us. But the satellite has a compelling and innovative imaging capability and SatVu are now one significant step closer to being able to deliver this long-awaited data to their customers.”
Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency, Dr Paul Bate, commented:
“Space already plays a vital role in enabling us to understand and mitigate the risks of climate change. Satellite Vu’s HotSat-1 is a milestone moment for the evolution of Earth observation technology and the benefits it can bring us.
UK Space Agency funding has not only helped make HotSat-1 a reality but has catalysed investment into Satellite Vu, including in their recent successful £12.7 million funding round.
This is a brilliant example of UK technology leading the way in using space to improve sustainability, as the data it provides will bring a clearer picture of the impact our energy use has on the planet, empowering organisations across sectors to make better and more climate-conscious choices.”
The successful launch follows SatVu's recent news regarding the successful completion of their A2 funding round, where they raised £12.7m.
The company is now poised to reach its next commercial milestone, which will unlock new investment opportunities in their highly anticipated series B round. The A2 round was led by Molten Ventures, with participation from Seraphim Space Investment Trust PLC, A/O Proptech, Lockheed Martin, Ridgeline Ventures, Earth Sciences Foundation, and Stellar Ventures.
After successful completion of the commissioning process, SatVu expects to receive first images in July and start commercial operations in October.
SatVu's HotSat-1 heralds an exciting new era in thermal monitoring, unlocking a world of untapped possibilities, providing a novel tool for proactive environmental stewardship.
