HEO Robotics and Axelspace partner to integrate 5 space-based sensors into the HEO Inspect software

Sydney-based HEO Robotics and Tokyo-based Axelspace Corporation have announced a partnership to give HEO Inspect, HEO Robotics’ satellite inspection software platform, access to five space-based sensors. The software provides critical insights to satellite operators that help advance their understanding of their space asset and its environment, changing how it is possible monitor and understand space assets by providing a new level of real-time information and innovative space services.

Axelspace’s detailed satellite imagery will empower HEO Inspect’s flyby inspection and computer-vision capabilities to provide revolutionary in-orbit inspection, identification, verification and monitoring services.

The partnership brings HEO Robotics’ access to 35 space-based sensors. Growing HEO Robotics’ presence in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) continuously upgrades the ability to provide customers with higher imaging performance, higher frequency imaging, variable imaging times, fast tasking, and faster delivery timelines.

Frequent satellite-to-satellite imaging also provides a deeper look of objects in-orbit, unlocking new use cases. HEO Inspect generates an actionable report with unprecedented intelligence to give satellite operators certainty regarding the state, behaviour, threats, and anomalies of on-orbit assets to make informed decisions.

Dr. William Crowe, CEO and Co-Founder of HEO Robotics, says “Access to [Axelspace’s] cameras will have a substantial impact on our ability to provide in-space services. We will be able to enhance our ability to quickly monitor satellites and easily integrate our software into the day-to-day operations of satellite owners. Through this partnership, we are shaping up innovations that service the space environment, while sharing our values of making space transparent, safe, and sustainable.”

Since its establishment in 2008, Axelspace has been democratising space utilisation through its unique microsatellite technology. “AxelGlobe, our Earth observation platform where we operate 5 optical imaging satellites in orbit, has been serving various clients in a wide range of industries such as agriculture, forestry, mapping, disaster monitoring, environment, and urban planning,” said Dr. Yuya Nakamura, President and CEO of Axelspace.

“I myself was astonished to hear the idea of using our satellites to monitor other in-orbit objects, as our satellites were originally designed to monitor the surface of the Earth only. The partnership between both companies this time opened up a new possibility of Earth observation satellites.”