British Earth observation company, Satellite Vu, has signed a second SpaceX launch contract for their second satellite, doubling their thermal data collection capacity.

The deal will see Satellite Vu’s unique Mid-wave Infrared (MWIR) imaging satellite launched into Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) aboard a Falcon 9 rocket in early 2024.

The satellite, which will be a clone of the first, will collect near real-time thermal data of the natural and built environment both day and night.

Analysing heat signatures

Satellite Vu intend to use this data to analyse heat signatures and the wasted energy of buildings, industrial plants and factories.

The deal follows on from their first deal signed with SpaceX in February, which will launch the first of Satellite Vu’s planned constellation of satellites in May 2023.

Anthony Baker, founder and CEO at Satellite Vu said: “Environmental issues are top of the agenda with the summer heatwave and the proliferation of wildfires over the past few months, reminding everyone of the urgent need to take action to provide a hospitable climate for all within our lifetimes.

“We are excited to have agreed our second deal with SpaceX to launch our thermal monitoring satellites which will guide the improvement and enforcement of environmental standards during this critical time.”

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