Scanway S.A. and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), a NASA laboratory managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), will develop a new solution for orbital thermography: an infrared camera for space applications. The cameras will initially be used in an optical instrument for a US-based customer, under an agreement signed by Scanway S.A. in January this year.
The cameras will use JPL sensors operating in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) ranges, enabling the development of instruments capable of conducting thermal observations from orbit.
The technology will also be developed in Scanway’s future projects. The company is currently in discussions with JPL regarding a licence for the sensor technology to be used in further solutions and projects.
The thermal imaging solution being developed by JPL and Scanway expands the company’s product portfolio and strengthens its position among the global leaders in advanced optical payloads. The new project also supports Scanway’s growth in satellite-data services with high analytical value, including the Data-as-a-Service model.
Cooperation between the parties has been initiated through a signed Support Letter, which confirms the possibility of collaboration and constitutes the first stage in building a strategic technology relationship. The next step will be the signing of a cooperation agreement.
Under the current arrangements, the two organisations will develop a unique infrared camera for space applications. The solution will use, among other components, JPL sensors operating in the MWIR and LWIR infrared ranges.
The first camera jointly developed by Scanway and JPL will be launched into orbit as a technology demonstrator within a new class of optical instruments being developed for a customer in the US market. The project is being delivered under an agreement signed by the company in January this year. The contract provides for the development of a new instrument integrating several cameras operating across different wavelength ranges. It will be used in an Earth observation satellite constellation currently under construction.
At the same time, in the context of the company’s long-term plans, the parties are discussing a licence that would allow Scanway to use JPL sensor technology. Expanding the cooperation would make it possible to develop further solutions and applications based on this technology.
“Orbital thermal observations involve measuring infrared radiation emitted by observed objects, making it possible to determine their temperature and identify thermal anomalies. This technology can be used, among other things, to analyse geological and atmospheric processes, monitor the environment, and support security and defence applications. It is an advanced technology requiring highly specialised expertise and is developed and offered by only a very limited group of global manufacturers of optical instruments,” explains Mikołaj Podgórski, Chief Operating Officer of Scanway S.A.
“Cooperation with JPL and NASA, as well as the development of new infrared cameras, allows us to make a significant leap in Scanway’s technological capabilities and deliver to customers the value created by the ability to conduct thermal imaging from orbit. Access to this type of technology strengthens our capabilities in building our own supply-chain components and increases the company’s technological independence. At the same time, we gain exposure to a new market segment, which supports Scanway’s further growth in services based on satellite data with high analytical value, including the Data-as-a-Service model,” says Jędrzej Kowalewski, Chief Executive Officer of Scanway S.A.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory is one of NASA’s most important research and development centres. It is a global leader in satellite technologies, observation systems and advanced sensors for space applications. The laboratory is managed by the California Institute of Technology for the US space agency NASA.
JPL has been responsible for landmark space-exploration projects, including Mars missions, Earth observation programmes, Solar System research, and the development of advanced imaging technologies and scientific instruments used in space.
“Cooperation with JPL, one of the world’s most advanced space technology centres, confirms Scanway’s technological maturity and the scale of the projects we are ready to deliver. Orbital thermography solutions are currently developed by only a narrow group of global market leaders, which is why this project significantly strengthens our position in the global segment of advanced optical payloads,” concludes Mikołaj Podgórski.
Growing market for orbital thermal imaging
The market for solutions using infrared imaging and orbital thermography is expanding alongside rising demand for satellite data with high analytical value.
According to Growth Market Reports’ Thermal Infrared Earth Observation Market report, the global thermal infrared Earth observation market was valued at USD 1.97 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 4.36 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%.
DataIntelo, in its Thermal Imaging Satellite Market Research Report 2034, estimates the value of the satellite thermal imaging market at USD 4.8 billion in 2025 and forecasts growth to USD 10.3 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 8.9%.
The potential of this segment forms part of the broader development of the Earth observation market. Novaspace, in its Prospects for the Earth Observation Market report, indicates that the global EO market reached a value of USD 5.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 4.7% over the next decade.
