Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Space
  • /
  • Satellite Vu and SSTL commission satellite clone

Space

Satellite Vu and SSTL commission satellite clone

Satellite Vu has commissioned a new clone of its original satellite in collaboration with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd. (SSTL) to double its data collection capacity.


Image courtesy Satellite Vu 

The deal sees SSTL begin construction on the second of Satellite Vu’s Mid Wave Infra-Red (MWIR) thermal imaging satellites which will collect thermal data day and night of the natural and built environment at any location on the planet, enabling the measurement of heat signatures and heat loss of any building in the world.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

The satellites will form a constellation which will have the capacity to measure the energy efficiency of buildings, alongside fire spread prediction and water pollution, multiple times a day, providing real time data-driven climate insights.

The contract for the first Satellite Vu satellite was signed in 2021 with SSTL ready for shipment in the first quarter of 2023 for a launch aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9.

The second satellite, which is an exact clone of the first, is expected to be launched in early 2024 in response to market demand for greater capacity and more frequent revisit times.

The news comes after Satellite Vu recently completed their funding via the UKSA National Space Innovation Programme (NSIP), helping to implement de-risking technology and make significant operational improvements.

Anthony Baker, Founder and CEO of Satellite Vu said: “Environmental issues are at the forefront of everyone’s minds, from governments to businesses to consumers, as we collectively recognise the urgency of creating a green and sustainable future for all.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

“To create this future, we urgently need verifiable data sets to measure our progress and provide comparable metrics, therefore our satellites are set to revolutionise climate change by tackling energy wastage and connecting governments and businesses with the necessary data to reduce their carbon emissions.”

“The procurement of another satellite is driven by market demand for more capacity to address urgent customer problems and investor confidence in the team to accelerate the execution of the company business plan.”

Phil Brownnett, Managing Director of SSTL, said: “I am delighted to sign another contract with Satellite Vu for a second thermal imaging satellite and look forward to continuing to work closely with Satellite Vu to achieve their business goals.”

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
UK Space Agency offers new internship programme

Space

UK Space Agency offers new internship programme

12 February 2026

The UK Space Agency is launching Skills for Space, a new internship programme offering 50 paid placements across the UK space sector to give young people hands-on experience and industry exposure.

Orbex set to appoint administrators

Space

Orbex set to appoint administrators

11 February 2026

The UK home-grown orbital launch services company and space rocket manufacturer, Orbex, is in the process of appointing administrators after fundraising, merger and acquisition opportunities all concluded unsuccessfully.

UK Government introduces ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UK Government introduces ‘fast track’ apprenticeships reforms

9 February 2026

Young people will be given a quicker route into high-quality jobs on major projects as the UK Government slashes red tape to fast-track the process.

UK Space Agency launches studies on manufacturing advanced materials in orbit

Space

UK Space Agency launches studies on manufacturing advanced materials in orbit

9 February 2026

The UK Space Agency has awarded contracts to three UK companies to investigate producing advanced materials in Low Earth Orbit, where the conditions – including microgravity, natural vacuum and extreme temperatures – can create products that are difficult, expensive, or impossible to manufacture on Earth.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Two-thirds of parents back apprenticeships as first choice after school

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Two-thirds of parents back apprenticeships as first choice after school

9 February 2026

To coincide with the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9th – 15th February), one of the UK’s largest apprenticeship providers, BAE Systems, has analysed Censuswide’s survey of the latest attitudes of young people and parents.

UK Space Agency investment helps launch electric propulsion lab

Space

UK Space Agency investment helps launch electric propulsion lab

6 February 2026

A new laboratory that will help UK companies develop and test the engines powering the next generation of satellites has opened at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB