Gilmour Space’s ElaraSat bus has been selected for a demonstration mission to provide methane and carbon emission insights from space.
The mission, led by Perth-based Earth observation company LatConnect60 will gather essential data on methane and carbon emissions to support the agriculture, resources, and other sectors in achieving their emissions reduction and net-zero targets.
As part of the Australian Space Agency’s International Space Investment India Projects program, LatConnect60’s Short-Wave Infrared Imagery Satellite (SWIRSAT) will carry advanced sensors and an edge computer provided by Sydney-based Spiral Blue. These components will be integrated onto the ElaraSat bus at Gilmour Space’s Australian Space Manufacturing Network (ASMN) facility in Queensland and launched by Skyroot Aerospace in India.
“SWIRSAT will generate critical insights from very high spatial resolution Earth observation data in the short wave infrared range,” said Venkat Pillay, CEO and Founder of LatConnect60. “It will pinpoint and quantify source-level carbon emissions at a high accuracy, filling a key data gap in the market from low Earth orbit.”
Mark Grimminck, Head of Satellites at Gilmour Space, said, “This 100-kilogram prototype satellite will be a key milestone in LatConnect60’s vision to deploy a LEO constellation that will deliver vital Earth observation data and insights, starting with carbon emissions monitoring, to both government and commercial customers. We’re excited to be supporting this important capability for Australia and beyond.”
