Simera Sense and VITO Remote Sensing partner to revolutionize the EO value chain
International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Milan, Italy, 2024/10/14 - Simera Sense, leader in high-resolution optical payloads, and VITO Remote Sensing, a European frontrunner in EO data processing, calibration & applications, have announced a strategic partnership that promises a leap forward in data precision, reliability and efficiency for Earth Observation (EO) applications.
Since 2018, Simera Sense is in a rapid growth phase and already has 20 optical payloads in space, more than 40 payloads delivered and ready for launch, and approximately 70 payloads to be produced in the next 12 months. Founded in South Africa and Headquartered in Belgium, the company recently opened offices in Toulouse and Glasgow.
With over 130 IT experts/scientists, VITO's remote sensing team plays a pivotal role in key international initiatives, including the ESA Climate Change Initiative (CCI) and the Copernicus Land Service, while also showcasing advanced inflight EO calibration and data processing expertise through missions like PROBA-V, HyperScout-1 etc... By processing over 10 terabytes of Earth Observation data daily, VITO Remote Sensing delivers essential climate and environmental insights, empowering decision-makers in over 200 countries to effectively monitor and manage land, water, and climate resources.
For EO mission operators the biggest challenge is the fragmented value chain. In this way, the process of selecting an optical payload whilst receiving the appropriate support and recommendations from the payload manufacturer themselves is ideal. During the spacecraft design and MAIT phases, as well as during its commissioning and early operations, the focus of getting high-quality analytics ready data (ARD) expertly processed and calibrated from its native raw format into the hands of application developers and data users is paramount. This is the foundation of a successful EO mission.
This partnership combines Simera Sense's high-performance imaging systems with VITO Remote Sensing's renowned expertise in processing and radiometric and geometric calibration for the SmallSat and CubeSat markets, delivering accessible and reliable end-to-end imaging and processing solutions, helping customers gain fast and more accurate and actionable insights and analytics.
Raising the bar for EO Calibration standards
The partnerships focuses on integrating industry-leading technologies from both parties, to provide imagery that are rigorously corrected for radiometric and geometric inconsistencies, empowering end users with data that is ready for immediate use. Employing high-quality optical instruments and VITO Remote Sensing's validated calibration standards, recognized as among the highest in the industry, Simera's customers will receive consistent, high-accurate data that meets strict demanding EO quality benchmarks.
"Through our partnership with VITO, we're setting a new standard for calibration quality in the CubeSat and SmallSat market. By guaranteeing that data from our cameras is calibrated to industry-leading standards, we're making it easier for our end-customer to trust and use our imagery directly, without needing additional 3rd party processing."
Johann du Toit
CEO
Simera Sense
Delivering Actionable Data for end-customers
VITO Remote Sensing brings a proven track record in EO in-flight calibration. The Advanced Image Processing product including absolute, interband geometric correction and in-flight radiometric calibration, processes raw data acquired by the sensor on the CubeSats and delivers high quality standard products (Level 1B, Level 1C) validated using similar assessment methodology developed in ESA Earthnet Data Assessment Project (EDAP+).
This partnership benefits end-customers by reducing the time and complexity involved in data calibration, effectively eliminating a step in the traditional EO processing workflow. It offers mission operators and end-users access to standardized, calibrated imagery through a Software-as-a-Service (Saas-model), reducing operational burdens.
This makes a powerful difference for industries that rely on immediate, accurate data for their downstream services.
"Customers are demanding Analysis Ready Data (ARD) that they can trust. By combining our calibration expertise with Simera's high-tech imaging, we are ensuring they receive consistent top-quality data, right out of the box.
This collaboration provides end-customers with data that is immediately usable, unlocking a new level of convenience and reliability. "
Steven Krekels
Valorisation Director Environmental Intelligence
VITO
Advancing EO Capabilities together
This partnership underscores Simera Sense and VITO Remote Sensing's shared commitment to advancing EO capabilities, providing end-customers with precise, pre-calibrated data enables more efficient decision-making and operational excellence in CubeSat and SmallSat applications.
For more information, contact info@simera-sense.com
