The Earth Observation sector is fairly tight-knit and there is a lot of excitement around what opportunities dropping costs across the value chain will open up, says Jasper Smallenbroek, Head of Commercial Partnerships, ShadowBreak Intl, in an interview to Geospatial World.
As compared to other sectors, the geospatial industry performed fairly better last year. How was 2020 for ShadowBreak from a business point of view, and what was the strategy to tide over the COVID-19 induced financial crisis?
2020 has been an amazing year of growth for ShadowBreak. The company was founded just before Covid hit, and it gave us an opportunity to focus on building partnerships with companies, such as Axelspace, and work closely with our customers to develop our products. The geospatial industry is very focused on innovation and unlocking value through new tech. I think it makes sense that it has fared well during a highly disruptive time.
Also read: ShadowBreak Intl and Axelspace Corporation sign partnership agreement
Experts have opined that 2021 could see an increasing number of partnerships between organizations for steady business recovery and the larger societal good. Do you see this trend shaping up in the geospatial industry, and is ShadowBreak following this path?
The Earth Observation sector is fairly tight-knit and there is a lot of excitement around what opportunities dropping costs across the value chain will open up. While there is competition, the general sense is that we are working together to unlock the full potential of new technology. Certainly, from the perspective of the ShadowBreak/Axelspace partnership, this is visible, with both companies bringing the technology to the table that creates a natural synergy.
In the recent past, we have seen the world realize the importance of Space Intelligence. How is ShadowBreak working towards democratizing this intelligence, and what kind of challenges have been coming in the way?
At ShadowBreak, we are disrupting the way geospatial data is acquired, analyzed, and distributed. Actually, it has been encouraging how supportive large EO data providers have been. For example, we have a very close relationship with Airbus, which really bought into our vision. On the technological side, the main challenge is getting access to near real-time EO data. On this front, it has been really exciting to work with companies, such as Umbra Lab.
Also read: Eyes in the sky: Using satellite data analysis for investigative reporting
ShadowBreak provides imagery, analysis, and consulting services. Which of these services has been most in demand?
Currently, our largest income stream is imagery. However, as we develop our flagship product TacSight, analysis will take precedence. This is also where the partnership with Axelspace comes in, as it will allow our customers to own and operate their own satellites and then pipe the data into a highly secure and bespoke analytics platform.
The UK has been quite proactive in terms of introducing policies and strategies concerning technology adoption in the last one year. Has this approach created a more conducive environment for technology and solutions providers in the country?
The UK has been very encouraging of the Space sector, seeing it as a key area for innovation. I live in Scotland, and there is a strong ecosystem of new Space companies that call this country home, such as AAC Clyde Space, Spire Global, and Skyrora. There are even plans for a spaceport in Sutherland. I would encourage the UK and Scottish governments to keep nurturing the sector as it has created a strong talent pool, making it an attractive place for Space companies.
Also read: The future of commercial satellite imagery business model
