Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Orbital Sidekick (OSK) is among global leaders in providing space-based hyperspectral intelligence. Recently, it launched GHOSt (Global Hyperspectral Observation Satellite) to monitor global oil & gas pipeline assets, and mineral exploration initiatives. The company’s SIGMA intelligence platform aims to enhance the sector’s ability to meet compliance and regulatory obligations while supporting environmental sustainability pursuits and a low carbon future.
OSK has also secured government contracts to supply hyperspectral data to the Unites States Department of Defence through its partnerships with In-Q-Tel, the Air Force, and Space Force.
“Our unique radiometric speciation and change detection capability will enable unparalleled target monitoring services for both commercial and defence users on a global scale”, says Dan Katz, CEO & Co-Founder, Orbital Sidekick, in an interaction with Geospatial World.
Tell us about your recent launch?
The successful launch of GHOSt 1 and 2 marks the initial deployment of our GHOSt constellation, which will consist of six equivalent hyperspectral imaging microsatellites, each featuring a proprietary hyperspectral imager unique to OSK. We will deploy four more GHOSt satellites this year aboard the Transporter 8 and Transporter 9 rideshare missions.
The primary application of the intelligence gained from these satellites will be for the energy sector, specifically oil and gas pipeline assets, but we are also planning for use-cases around carbon offset verification, applications in the mining and agriculture sector, as environmental monitoring.
All of the data gleaned from the GHOSt satellites will be turned into actionable insights by OSK’s flagship product SIGMA, or Spectral Intelligence Global Monitoring Application.
For the energy sector, SIGMA leverages advanced hyperspectral data and OSK’s proprietary analytics engine to detect leaks, contaminations and other intrusive events that jeopardize global energy systems.
Companies can subsequently use these insights to minimize emissions, exceed regulatory requirements, and reduce their carbon footprints.
ALSO READ: Orbital Sidekick Successfully Launches First Satellites in GHOSt Constellation
Who are your major partners and customers?
Our current customers include major energy companies Williams, ONEOK, Energy Transfer, and Colonial Pipeline Co. (CPC). We’re also a partner of the intelligent Pipeline Integrity Program (iPIPE) which supports emerging technologies for improved pipeline integrity and leak detection.
In January, we also announced a $10 million investment round from strategic investors led by Energy Innovation Capital with contributions from Williams and ONEOK, the University of Minnesota’s Endowment, 11.2 Capital, Syndicate 708, and In-Q-Tel. This funding is supporting the development and deployment of the GHOSt Constellation, as well as further commercialization of OSK’s asset monitoring solution.
OSK is currently focusing on the energy sector but has also secured government contracts to supply hyperspectral data to the United States Department of Defense through its partnerships with In-Q-Tel, the Air Force, and Space Force. Most recently, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) selected OSK for its latest focus area study of commercial space-based hyperspectral imaging (HSI) capabilities, deepening our relationship with the defense and intelligence communities.
What were the challenges faced during or before the launch of GHOSt constellation?
One of the main challenges faced was designing, manufacturing, and integrating our HSI payload. Since OSK is the first commercial company to deploy this type of payload in space, one of the biggest hurdles was meeting requirements, as well as designing and integrating the optical train (telescope, spectrometer, and camera) along with the software to operate it.
What is OSK’s vision?
Orbital Sidekick’s vision is to build the most robust remote sensing and analytics capability in existence. OSK’s proprietary analytics platform and hyperspectral payload architecture will provide persistent space-based monitoring solutions powered by Spectral Intelligence. This unique radiometric speciation and change detection capability will enable unparalleled target monitoring services for both commercial and defense users on a global scale.
