Xplore, Inc.,’s multi-sensor XCRAFT is the first in a constellation to serve Earth Observation (EO), space domain awareness (SDA) and astronomy customers.
Xplore Inc., a space company providing space data products, data fusion and on-board computing from its multi-sensor XCRAFT™, has been granted a remote sensing license from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for the company’s first mission to LEO that is scheduled for launch later this year.
Xplore will offer hyperspectral imaging data, high-resolution video, and unique ultraviolet data products for EO, SDA and astronomy applications. Advanced data products will be offered by fusing data generated by the company’s diverse sets of imagers.
Xplore’s hyperspectral imagery will be offered at 2 and 5 meter resolution over dozens of contiguous bands, which is higher resolution than any available commercial offering. Xplore has solid demand from customers to deliver the highest resolution hyperspectral products for their applications.
The mission is the first launch that will build to a constellation of 12 satellites using Xplore’s XCRAFT platform carrying an industry-leading eight primary instruments. The spacecraft is optimized to observe the Earth, collect space domain awareness data and provide a scientific tool for astronomical discovery. The XCRAFT platform was designed, developed, and fabricated in-house by Xplore’s experienced engineering team and is controlled using Xplore’s Major Tom cloud-based operations platform.
Lisa Rich, Xplore Founder and Chief Operating Officer said, “We’re pleased to announce our NOAA license has been granted — it allows us to bring to market powerful multi-sensor capabilities that will let customers observe and understand our planet, the surrounding space environment and the universe in new and comprehensive ways. Xplore has appreciated efficiency, expediency and responsiveness during NOAA’s licensing process. We believe the XCRAFT and the constellation to follow will provide a level of versatility and flexibility unmatched in the commercial market today. We expect the XCRAFT to deliver the highest possible utility, so it is always gathering high-value, affordable data for our customers.”