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| Albedo first imagery satellite to lunch very low earth orbit (VLEO) February 2025 to capture high resolution space images |
Satellite imagery startup Albedo is gearing up for its first satellite launch, set for next spring, aiming to revolutionize the commercial Earth observation industry with its innovative approach and ultra-high-resolution cameras.
The satellite, named Clarity, will be launched into very low Earth orbit (VLEO) on SpaceX’s Transporter-13 ride-share mission, scheduled for no earlier than February 2025. This means Albedo expects Clarity to be operational in orbit by this time next year.
Albedo has also secured seven customers who have reserved portions of Clarity’s imaging capacity, including satellite imagery broker SkyFi and German energy company Open Grid Europe.
CEO Topher Haddad highlighted the ambitious timeline, noting that this is the first public reveal of a satellite mockup. He emphasized the complexity and power of the system, which features a large aperture telescope and advanced technology developed for high-resolution imaging in VLEO.
Albedo’s unique spacecraft aims to capture extremely high-resolution images, previously accessible only to U.S. defense and intelligence agencies. The company plans to offer 10-centimeter-per-pixel images to commercial and government clients at unprecedentedly low prices, thanks to its large satellite bus. In comparison, current optical imagery providers typically offer images at a 30-centimeter resolution, enhanced to 15 centimeters through algorithms.
Unlike traditional satellites operating at higher altitudes and costing billions, Albedo’s satellites will operate at altitudes between 250 and 450 kilometers, measuring the size of refrigerators. Despite the increased atmospheric drag in VLEO, the satellites are designed to counteract this with ultra-efficient electric propulsion and design choices such as mounted solar panels to reduce drag.
In addition to hardware development, Albedo has appointed Kathryn Tobey as its first independent director. Tobey, who had a 34-year career at Lockheed Martin and served as VP of the company’s $3 billion Space, Special Programs division, brings significant expertise in high-tech national security projects, aligning with Albedo's target government clientele.
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