Cappella Space, a company dedicated to satellite imaging, has just put its new state-of-the-art satellite Capella-2 into orbit and it is capable of taking 50×50 cm images of the Earth’s surface. Plus, it is able to take those pictures in ridiculously high resolution. In addition, it uses unconventional technology, this way, clouds or night are no longer an obstacle to complete this task.
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With only one satellite in orbit right now, the capabilities are limited to provide images quickly. However, the company plans to launch six more satellites in 2021. With them in orbit, customers (both government and private) can access a company website to purchase quality images from anywhere in the world.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
What makes this satellite particularly interesting is undoubtedly the technology it uses to visualize what is happening on the earth’s surface. This is Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), a technology used by NASA for more than five decades. However, it is not as popular and accurate as Capella Space is doing right now. With this technology, Capella-2 is able to see details of the surface even at night or even when there are dense clouds in the way.
How do you get visibility then? By using radar. The SAR sends a 9.65GHz radio signal to Earth and picks up what is reflected back. As a result, the satellite details 3D images of the Earth’s surface whether it is day or night, clear or cloudy.
It should be noted that about half of the Earth is always dark. Therefore, Capella-2 automatically has more than 50% visibility than other satellites.
Which services Capella-2 offer?
Capella Space seems to have big plans with its service once it deploys all of the satellites. One of the options they say they will offer is Spotlight Mode. In this mode, they set a target on the earth’s surface and track it continuously with several satellites moving them to focus on the target.
In addition, the company offers a Capella Console, an on-demand service that will provide satellite content to anyone. The only condition is to having permission from the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. They have not disclosed any price, but having the possibility to see a picture of any part of the world detailed within half a meter, will certainly be expensive.
