SatVu’s space-based thermal intelligence reveals status of Texan LNG terminal

New insights from AllSource Analysis, using SatVu’s high-fidelity thermal intelligence, provide quantifiable and specific confirmation of LNG production at Train 1 of the Golden Pass LNG export terminal in Texas.

AllSource’s analysis of SatVu’s thermal intelligence – combined with other data sources – shows clear indications that liquefaction Train 1 was active at the time of the collection. Combined with observations of flaring at various locations in the terminal and a limited but clearly discernible thermal emission from the central power plant, HotSat-2 data helps analysts assess the heartbeat of operations across the facility.

Drilling down into the data

Due to the high resolution achieved by SatVu’s MWIR (mid-wave infrared) sensor, thermal emissions can be attributed directly to individual units and equipment within the facility. Aligning the individual thermal emissions identified at the Golden Pass LNG train 1 with the known equipment layout and process flow at the facility provides strong and specific confirmation of LNG production at this train.

Measurable thermal signatures were also detected at the locations of the exhaust stacks for the mechanical-drive gas turbines, and a thermal emission was also observed across the length of the arrays of fin-fan air-cooled heat exchangers that cover the dense liquefaction train itself.

Photo: SatVu / AllSource Analysis

This observation of active cooling and hot exhausts from the systems that power compression shows that the core processes in LNG production at this liquefaction train were active at the time of the data collection.

How comparing insights delivers results

The value of thermal analysis increases with continued monitoring. Imagery on 3rd May 2026 showed no discernible thermal emissions associated with LNG Train 1 at the time of collection. In the comparison of relative thermal changes between the 3rd May and 9th July imagery, the change in status of operations at the Golden Pass LNG train 1 is clear.

This comparison of collections also aids understanding of the power generation operational status within the facility, with different turbines active across the two acquisitions, providing an insight into the tempo of operations.

Scott Herman, SatVu, Chief Technology Officer, commented on the analysis: “This is superb analysis of SatVu high-fidelity thermal intelligence. Other data sources confirm what’s present – thermal intelligence confirms whether it is operational.

“Because our MWIR sensor resolves heat signatures at a sub-component level- individual units and equipment- AllSource could tie heat signals directly to the gas turbine exhaust stacks and heat exchangers that power LNG production and confirm Train 1 was active.

“This is the measurable activity intelligence layer that has been missing from satellite analysis and only gets even more powerful with every revisit.”

Why combining sources of detection is essential

The partnership between SatVu and Allsource Analysis illustrates how collaboration between data providers and third-party, multisource analysis specialists can secure impressive quantifiable results.

Sim Tack, VP of Technology and Analysis at AllSource, added: “A heat signature only becomes intelligence when you can explain it.

“By aligning SatVu’s high-resolution thermal imagery with the known equipment layout and process flow at Golden Pass, our analysts could give customers strong and specific confirmation of LNG production at Train 1 and show how operations changed between May and July.

“This is the kind of decision-ready answer energy, financial and government customers are looking for.”