Orbital Sidekick has released the first images taken by two hyperspectral satellites launched on March 4. The Global Hyperspectral Observation Satellites (GHOSts) are currently collecting data with 8-meter resolution and gathering information in 468 spectral bands from 400 to 2,500 nanometers. These are the fourth and fifth satellites in OSK's group, and they are in good condition and undergoing processing. A sixth satellite is set to launch this year, and OSK aims to have a constellation of 14 to 20 satellites for weekly global monitoring. Tushar Prabhakar, OSK co-founder and chief operating officer, explained that the hyperspectral data collected can be used for chemical fingerprinting and detecting energy-related issues such as methane and hydrocarbon leaks. Additionally, Orbital Sidekick can notify oil companies of any activity near pipelines that could cause leaks. This advanced spectrum allows for proactive leak prevention. OSK is focused on the energy sector and collaborates with the intelligent Pipeline Integrity Program to prevent and detect pipeline leaks. Furthermore, OSK works with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, U.S. Geological Survey, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and has potential future applications in mineral exploration and agriculture. The satellites launched on the SpaceX Transporter-10 rideshare flight began collecting data on March 18.
The Global Hyperspectral Observation Satellites (GHOSts) launched on the SpaceX Transporter-10 rideshare flight began gathering data March 18. Both satellites are healthy and going through commissioning, Tushar Prabhakar, OSK co-founder and chief operating officer, told SpaceNews.
The new satellites, the fourth and fifth in OSK’s constellation, gather data in 468 spectral bands from 400 to 2,500 nanometers with 8-meter resolution.
A sixth satellite is expected to launch within the year. A GHOSt constellation of 14 to 20 satellites to provide weekly global monitoring is OSK’s goal.
“The hyperspectral data we are providing allows us to do a lot of chemical fingerprinting,” Prabhakar said. “On the energy side, we look for methane and other hydrocarbon leaks. One of the critical components is being able to tell whether the leak is on a pipeline right-of-way or if it’s coming from a wellhead or a compressor station.”
In addition, Orbital Sidekick alerts oil companies to activity near pipelines that could cause leaks like someone digging nearby.
“Having this kind of spectrum allows us to get in front of leaks before they happen,” Prabhakar said.
Orbital Sidekick has been focused on the energy sector since the company was established in 2016. OSK works closely with the intelligent Pipeline Integrity Program, a consortium focused on technologies to prevent and detect pipeline leaks.
On the government side, OSK is working with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Space Force, National Reconnaissance Office, U.S. Geological Survey, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and In-Q-Tel.
Future markets for OSK data include mineral exploration and agriculture.
OSK sensors fly on Astro Digital’s Corvus XL platforms.
