Aviation & Aerospace
HOTSAT-1 launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, fitted with Leonardo’s Superhawk technology.
Published: July 18, 2023 | Updated: 15th November 2023
A revolutionary climate monitoring satellite named HOTSAT-1 launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California last week, with a group of Hampshire scientists proudly looking on.
That’s because the Southampton team of global aerospace firm Leonardo were responsible for Superhawk, the thermal imaging technology now fitted to the satellite which will prove crucial to its success over the coming years.
Working alongside a variety of optical instruments also built by the company, the technology can measure thermal changes down to a scale of just 3.5 metres.
Keith Barnes, Science Detectors Programme Manager at Leonardo Southampton, said: “Superhawk is our latest commercial infrared detector product, and this is the first use of one of our commercial off-the-shelf products in space.
“Superhawk will be able to offer a new level of detail in identifying thermal effects on the ground, since its accurate imaging can identify thermal clusters in cities and emissions from buildings.
“This technology offers day and night vision, which means the satellite will benefit from round-the-clock awareness of the environment from space.”
HOTSAT-1 is the first of many satellites planned to be launched by SatVu, who have collaborated closely with Leonardo Southampton and Surrey Satellite Technology to outfit their craft with the latest in thermal imaging technology.
It represents a significant step towards Net Zero emissions, with the satellite helping to identify heat islands in urban centres, monitor waterway pollution, and assess the effectiveness of solar farms, among countless other use cases.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive at the UK Space Agency, added: “SatVu’s HOTSAT-1 is a milestone moment for the evolution of Earth observation technology and the benefits it can bring us.
“This is a brilliant example of UK technology leading the way in using space to improve sustainability.
“The data it provides will bring a clearer picture of the impact our energy use has on the planet, empowering organisations across sectors to make better and more climate-conscious choices.”
