SSTL partners with LatConnect 60 for SWIR payload development
by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Dec 03, 2024

SSTL has announced the signing of a letter of intent with LatConnect 60 (LC60) to collaborate on the development of space-based Short-Wave Infra-Red (SWIR) payloads. This partnership builds on the HERCHI project, which SSTL has undertaken with the support of the UK Space Agency.

The agreement strengthens the ongoing collaboration between SSTL and LC60, which has already seen both companies working together on data from SSTL's S1-4 satellite. This new endeavor aims to refine the SWIR payload design to deliver imagery that aligns with the precise requirements of end-user specialists relying on this data.

SWIR imaging is recognized as a vital tool in various applications, including monitoring greenhouse gas emissions, environmental assessments, and analyzing vegetation stress and health. These capabilities can be provided through operational services on satellites like SSTL's Carbonite series of 150kg-class Earth observation micro-satellites.

SSTL has previously demonstrated expertise in this field, having flown high-resolution optical color video and Medium Wave Infrared payloads on similar platforms. (The accompanying image features SSTL's Optical Payloads Team alongside one of the imagers developed in-house.)

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