SATLANTIS MICROSATS, S.A., the largest European provider of high-resolution optical payloads for small satellites, announced that it has entered into a strategic alliance with SuperSharp Space Systems Ltd., a University of Cambridge spin-off specialized in thermal infrared payloads for Earth Observation satellites.
In the context of this alliance, SATLANTIS has acquired a controlling interest in SuperSharp, which will provide the financial and industrial resources required for the expansion of the company ahead of its In-Orbit Demonstration (IOD), scheduled for 2025. The UK Secretary of State approved the transaction in early March. Following the agreement, SuperSharp will remain an independent UK company with its individual brand and unique approach to Space, while benefiting from access to Satlantis’ resources and infrastructure. This agreement will create a Competence Centre for Optical Space Technologies in the UK covering the whole range of the light spectrum to serve current and future customers.
This landmark deal creates a global leader in high-resolution electro-optical payloads for small satellites, with a presence in Spain, the United States through SATLANTIS LLC and now the United Kingdom.
This synergistic alliance represents a unique opportunity for both organizations to share their complementary know-how to continue advancing innovative Earth Observation (EO) technologies. From a commercial perspective, SATLANTIS’ portfolio of high-resolution visible (VIS), near infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) payloads will be enhanced with SuperSharp’s expertise in mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) instruments.
In line with SATLANTIS’ approach to miniaturisation – which results in the best resolution-to-mass ratio in the industry – the unfolding technology developed by SuperSharp will offer 4x better spatial resolution per unit cost and is designed for satellites as small as 12U CubeSats (6m GSD), up to 150-200 kg Small Satellite platforms (1m GSD).
“SuperSharp is the best company to enlarge the camera spectrum and embark hard infrared eyes into our missions. Furthermore, the UK & other international markets will benefit from these unique capacities” said SATLANTIS co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Juan Tomas Hernani.
Professor Ian Parry, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of SuperSharp, commented: “SATLANTIS are a highly successful company and our exciting new alliance will create a strong optical team and let us deploy our unfolding space telescope in orbit very soon.”.
Jean-Jacques Dordain, Chairman of the Satlantis group, added: “We have found the right partner in the UK with SuperSharp. We share our respective innovative technologies and a common culture of competitive solutions to better respond to more customers.”.