Esper Satellite Imagery and Wyvern Partner to Enhance Hyperspectral Data Offerings
Plans include SWIR and VNIR data integrations, product development, and reseller agreements
Esper Satellite Imagery, a Melbourne-based space tech startup, and Wyvern, an Alberta-based hyperspectral satellite imaging company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities that will enhance and expand hyperspectral data capabilities for commercial applications.
Wyvern’s Dragonette fleet currently collects visible near-infrared (VNIR) hyperspectral data; Esper’s payload will deliver short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral data. Unlike multispectral optical satellites, imagery from hyperspectral satellites goes beyond what the human eye can see. Hyperspectral imagery reveals the chemical composition of objects on the ground (e.g. crops, forests, rivers, mines, infrastructure, etc.) – it provides a glimpse into the DNA of planet Earth.
The MoU outlines plans to integrate Wyvern VNIR data into Esper’s environmental intelligence products and enable reciprocal data reselling, expanding market reach and broadening solutions for both customer bases. Additionally, the partners will discuss collaborations across joint product development, joint contract opportunities, and potential hardware integrations.
“Wyvern’s patented deployable optics technology will utilise unfolding mirrors in space, ultimately resulting in exquisite satellite imagery across all spectral bands. Combined with Esper’s high-fidelity SWIR data, this would provide a unique and much more robust hyperspectral dataset for advanced analytics across sectors,” stated Thomas VanMatre, Chief Revenue Officer at Wyvern.
Within the Earth Observation satellite industry, hyperspectral data offers end users more relevant and nuanced information. Esper and Wyvern plan to explore opportunities to develop environmental intelligence products that enable affordable advanced analytics for a diverse range of applications, such as environmental monitoring, forest fuel grid mapping, mineral exploration, diagnostic agriculture and land cover classification.
“Our partnership with Wyvern is charting new paths in the Earth Observation industry with two of the lowest cost but most accessible hyperspectral imagery providers shaking hands,” stated Shoaib Iqbal, CEO of Esper Satellites. “Together, we’re going to create asymmetric advantages for our civilian and government customers. Especially by making both our datasets available through EarthTones, our Earth Intelligence platform.”
Both parties are committed to transforming geospatial intelligence for global sustainability, safety, and equity. The partnership will explore all possible collaborations to advance the collection, analysis, and adoption of hyperspectral data for these purposes, including the integration of Wyvern’s deployable telescopic solution with Esper’s cutting-edge, low-cost, high-fidelity spectrometer system.
About Esper Satellites Industry
Esper, a Melbourne space tech startup founded in 2019, is on a mission to revolutionise Earth observation for sustainability. Their cutting-edge hyperspectral sensors provide unparalleled insights for industries like oil & gas, agriculture, and mining. Esper’s successful launch in March 2024 marks a major step towards their ambitious 18-sensor constellation, empowering businesses to make data-driven decisions for a sustainable future. You can read more about Esper here.
About Wyvern
Wyvern is an Edmonton-based satellite imagery company offering hyperspectral imagery using novel optical technology. First to market with this technology, Wyvern is unlocking new insights for industries such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and energy. For more information about commercial uses of hyperspectral data, visit the Wyvern Knowledge Centre.
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