SATLANTIS is a Spanish technological SME that develops high-resolution Earth Observation (EO) payloads for small satellites all over the world. The company’s core technology is iSIM, the integrated Standard Imager for Microsatellites.
For monitorisation activities including coastlines, border security and critical infrastructures, traditional satellites can cover large areas and record cumulative effects, but are less good at measuring more rapid changes. Until recently, further impediments were the scale of spatial resolution (which limited the level of detail that could be obtained), as well as the high costs and long timescales required for the development of high-resolution EO payloads.
SATLANTIS is pursuing a complementary approach to tackle these issues through the development of its innovative iSIM payload technology for microsatellites (<100 kg). iSIM payloads are compact optical imagers designed to achieve high spatial resolution (up to 1m), reduced mass (<15 kg), reduced production costs (between 3 and 5 times cheaper than traditional imaging systems of similar performance), and delivery times at least 5 times shorter than traditional tailor-made solutions. To do this, iSIM combines a very compact and straightforward optomechanical design, with the latest advances in electronics (both in detectors and processors) and the use of COTS components.
The overall objective of this project is to demonstrate iSIM in-orbit and introduce it into the EO market. Within the scope of the project, SATLANTIS has carried out the design, manufacturing, assembly, integration of iSIM payload technology, and has successfully demonstrated the technology in-orbit, at the International Space Station.
