Simera Sense and VITO Partner to Revolutionise the Earth Observation Value Chain

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Source: Simera Sense

Simera Sense, a leader in high-resolution optical payloads, and VITO Remote Sensing, a European frontrunner in Earth Observation (EO) data processing and calibration, have announced a strategic partnership to address the challenges within the fragmented EO value chain. This collaboration promises to enhance data precision, reliability, and efficiency for EO applications by significantly reducing latency from raw data to analytics-ready data.

The primary goal of this partnership is to deliver high-quality, standard EO products (Levels 1B, 1C), validated using similar methodologies developed in the ESA Earthnet Data Assessment Project (EDAP+), for Simera Sense’s range of products. This initiative will reduce the time and complexity associated with data calibration by simplifying the traditional EO processing workflow, bringing new efficiencies to mission operators and data users alike.

A Partnership to Tackle EO Challenges

Simera Sense has been rapidly growing since 2018, with 20 optical payloads currently in orbit, 40 payloads ready for launch, and 70 more to be produced over the next 12 months. Headquartered in Belgium and with offices in South Africa, Toulouse, and Glasgow, the company is at the forefront of innovation in the EO sector.

Meanwhile, VITO Remote Sensing has been pivotal in key international projects, including the ESA Climate Change Initiative (CCI) and the Copernicus Land Service. With its advanced in-flight EO calibration and data processing expertise, VITO processes more than 10 terabytes of EO data daily, providing essential climate and environmental insights to over 200 countries.

Streamlining the EO Value Chain

The fragmented value chain often presents a challenge for EO mission operators. Selecting an optical payload while receiving the necessary support from the payload manufacturer, especially during spacecraft design, Manufacturing, Assembly, Integration, Testing (MAIT), and early operations, is critical for mission success. The ability to quickly process and calibrate raw data into high-quality Analysis Ready Data (ARD) is key for gaining actionable insights.

This partnership combines Simera Sense’s high-performance imaging systems and VITO Remote Sensing’s radiometric and geometric calibration expertise, particularly in the SmallSat and CubeSat markets. The collaboration will deliver accessible and reliable end-to-end imaging and processing solutions, empowering customers with faster, more accurate, and actionable insights.

Raising the Bar for EO Calibration Standards

One of the core elements of this partnership is setting new calibration standards for the CubeSat and SmallSat markets. Using industry-leading optical instruments and VITO Remote Sensing’s validated calibration standards, Simera Sense will provide consistent, highly accurate data that meets stringent EO quality benchmarks.

“Through our partnership with VITO, we’re setting a new standard for calibration quality in the CubeSat and SmallSat market,” said Johann du Toit, CEO of Simera Sense. “By guaranteeing that data from our cameras is calibrated to industry-leading standards, we’re ensuring that our customers can trust and use our imagery directly without needing additional third-party processing.”

Delivering Actionable Data for End-Customers

VITO Remote Sensing brings a proven track record in EO in-flight calibration. Its Advanced Image Processing products convert raw sensor data into high-quality standard products, including absolute and interband geometric correction and in-flight radiometric calibration (Levels 1B, 1C). These products are validated using methodologies developed in the ESA Earthnet Data Assessment Project (EDAP+).

This collaboration will streamline data calibration, reducing the time and complexity of traditional EO processing workflows. Through a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, mission operators and end-users will gain access to standardised, calibrated imagery, significantly reducing operational burdens. Industries reliant on immediate, accurate data will benefit from faster and more reliable downstream services.

Steven Krekels, Valorisation Director for Environmental Intelligence at VITO, added, “Customers demand Analysis-Ready Data (ARD) they can trust. Combining our calibration expertise with Simera Sense’s high-tech imaging ensures they receive consistent, top-quality data ready for immediate use. This collaboration unlocks a new level of convenience and reliability.”

Advancing EO Capabilities Together

This partnership underscores Simera Sense and VITO Remote Sensing’s shared commitment to advancing Earth Observation 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.

About Simera Sense

Simera Sense designs develops, and manufactures high-performance optical cameras for nano- and small satellite markets. In addition, the company focuses on delivering innovative, high-quality imaging solutions that meet the growing demands of the Earth Observation industry.

About VITO Remote Sensing

VITO Remote Sensing transforms Earth Observation data into practical solutions. With data processing, AI, and in-flight calibration expertise, VITO provides essential knowledge and analytics to help decision-makers across industries monitor and manage land, water, and climate resources.