Boeing [BA] received its first commercial order for the 502 Phoenix small satellite that will carry the commercial remote sensing industry’s first high-resolution hyperspectral payload, according to a company statement.
The order is from HySpecIQ of Washington. Boeing said the payload will be capable of providing spectral imaging fidelity that far exceeds what is currently available. Boeing will deliver a satellite system initially consisting of two satellites available for launch in 2018. Boeing will also deliver command and control (C2) options for long-term operations and maintenance. The satellites measure 1.25m wide x 1.25m deep x 1m tall.
The contract between Boeing and HySpecIQ includes options for long-term operations and maintenance. Boeing spokeswoman Diana Ball Sept. 10 declined to provide details for both the value of the contract order and the contract options, but said HySpecIQ is responsible for securing the not-yet-procured launch provider.
Hyperspectral imaging uses spectral color bands to identify objects and materials in an image. More than 200 spectral colors in the visible and shortwave infrared (IR) spectrum are collected to uncover diagnostic spectral patterns not visible to the naked eye.
The technology provides valuable data and enables the delivery of information products to key markets including the global oil, gas, mining, agriculture and environment monitoring industries as well as United States government agencies and partner countries.
Boeing also entered into a teaming arrangement with HySpecIQ over the distribution and sales of imagery products. Boeing will manage sales, processing and distribution of the hyperspectral imagery products to the U.S. government intelligence community (IC), Defense Department and international partner customers. HySpecIQ will manage sales, processing and distribution of the hyperspectral imagery products to the global civil and commercial market. Ball said the teaming arrangement with HySpecIQ is a “line item” in the contract between the two companies.
HySpecIQ says it provides analytical products such as decision support tools, risk management solutions and monitoring capabilities derived from low earth orbit (LEO) small satellites.