ABB has been awarded a contract worth around US$ 30 million by the Canadian data and analytics company - EarthDaily Analytics (EDA), to develop and manufacture next-generation multispectral imaging systems, which are to be placed on 10 satellites (including an in-orbit spare) that will circle the Earth. The order was booked in the first quarter of 2022.
Multispectral imaging systems
Multispectral imaging systems capture data at specific light frequencies across a wide spectrum, and the EarthDaily Constellation network of satellites will be able to provide high-quality imagery in 22 spectral bands, with resolution down to five metres.
We are proud to collaborate with ABB on the development of the ground-breaking EarthDaily Constellation"
Don Osborne, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EarthDaily Analytics, said “We are proud to collaborate with ABB on the development of the ground-breaking EarthDaily Constellation, which will provide unprecedented daily global coverage of the Earth at ultra-high, scientific-grade image quality. Current Earth observation satellite systems provide either high image quality with low coverage or low image quality with high coverage.”
EarthDaily Constellation
Don Osborne adds, “The EarthDaily Constellation brings high image quality and rich spectral band diversity together with daily global coverage, something that has never been available before. ABB’s long track record of success at the forefront of space sensors and Earth observation provides us with not only best-in-class technology, but also the confidence that comes from working closely with a leading technology company.”
Once deployed on the network of satellites, ABB’s technology will continuously capture images of the planet’s land masses and large maritime areas, as the satellites circle the Earth.
AI-based analytics system
EarthDaily Analytics’ artificial intelligence-based analytics system will then process the data gathered from these images, based on any recorded changes and generate actionable insights that will include information on the state of Earth’s ecosystems, as well as on the impact and progress of the changing climate.
In addition to providing insights into climate change, these measurements could help scientists address some of the world’s greatest challenges, from the monitoring of crop health to the prediction of forest fire trajectories.
Vvaluable insights to support positive environmental action
The data gathered provides valuable insight that enables increased support for positive environmental action
The data gathered provides valuable insight that enables increased support for positive environmental action, including conservation and sustainable resource management.
Jacques Mulbert, President - Measurement & Analytics Division at ABB, said “ABB is proud to be part of the EarthDaily Constellation project, set to transform the understanding of natural and human-caused change on earth. Our state-of-the-art multispectral imaging technology is the result of our rich expertise in industrial analyser solutions and over two decades of experience in space programs.”
Jacques Mulbert adds, “ABB being awarded this contract is testimony to the competitiveness of our offering in the rapidly evolving private space sector. We are confident that this project will be key to empowering industries across diverse domains, to make the best possible decisions for their businesses and reach their sustainability goals.”
ABB gets contract on multispectral imaging technology
Working on this project, ABB will collaborate with specialist in IT solutions for space, Xiphos Systems Corporation on high-performance processing electronics, as well as with Loft Orbital, the space infrastructure service provider for EarthDaily Constellation.
The year of 2022 marks 100 combined years of reliable operations for all of ABB’s optical equipment in orbit with core contributions to flagship missions of space agencies around the world. The space group within ABB’s Measurement & Analytics Division specialises in advancing measurement capabilities from space, from enabling daily weather forecasts to precisely monitoring the rise of greenhouse gases or spotting strong emitters.
Pushing boundaries of technology to drive performance
ABB is a renowned global technology company that energizes the transformation of society and industry to achieve a more productive, sustainable future.
By connecting software to its electrification, robotics, automation and motion portfolio, ABB pushes the boundaries of technology to drive performance to new levels. With a history of excellence stretching back more than 130 years, ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries.
