Author: Scanway
Publication date:
Scanway S.A. and KP Labs Sp. z o.o., leading Polish companies in the space sector, are commencing work on the ScyLab project for the European Space Agency (ESA). Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will develop a solution comprising a short-wave infrared (SWIR) telescope and a Data Processing Unit (DPU), whilst also advancing their own technologies and expertise in the field of advanced in-orbit data processing.
A new initiative called ScyLab will be carried out under an agreement between ESA and KP Labs, which is leading the project. The entire project is scheduled to run for the next 18 months, and is expected to result in an engineering model of the solution, which will undergo testing conducted jointly by Scanway and KP Labs to verify its observational and operational parameters. The value of the contract attributable to Scanway S.A. is 815,000 euros. The commencement of the contract triggers an advance payment – full settlement will take place by the end of 2027.
– As part of this new project, we will be developing proprietary electronics to support a sensor operating in the short-wave infrared (SWIR) range. This project, carried out in collaboration with KP Labs, will enable us to expand our technological capabilities, particularly in the area of integrating our own solutions with KP Labs’ Data Processing Unit. – explains Mikołaj Podgórski, COO of Scanway S.A. – From an optomechanical perspective, the solution is based on our SOP120 architecture, whilst in the camera system area we will replace the commercially available component (COTS) currently in use with our own technology, designed from the outset to work in conjunction with the DPU unit. This is a key element of the project. It will enable us to take control of another area of technology and further increase the integration of our own solutions – he adds.
ScyLab is in line with Scanway S.A.’s strategic directions for technological development for the years 2026–2028, in particular Direction 4: ‘Development of in-house supply chain links’. This involves increasing technological independence by developing in-house solutions to replace components and technologies previously sourced from external suppliers, thereby strengthening the company’s control over its own supply chain.
– The project will enable us to expand our portfolio with a new technology intended for further commercialisation, which opens up opportunities for its future use in projects carried out with commercial clients. At the same time, the further development of the solution, including potential subsequent stages of cooperation, will depend, amongst other things, on the availability of funding from the Polish contribution to the ESA – concludes Mikołaj Podgórski.
The agreement signed today between Scanway and KP Labs marks the continuation of the collaboration that began in November 2025 under a Memorandum of Understanding (Memorandum of Understanding, MoU) concerning the development of integrated optical payloads and on-board data processing systems for future space missions.
KP Labs develops advanced hardware and software solutions for in-orbit data processing, including, amongst other things, DPUs (Data Processing Units), on-board software and artificial intelligence-based algorithms supporting autonomous operations. Scanway specialises in high-resolution optical instruments and camera systems for Earth observation and in-orbit inspection, developing the SOP (Scanway Optical Payload) range of optical payloads, which have already been validated in orbital conditions.
As part of this collaboration, the companies are combining Scanway’s imaging technology with KP Labs’ computing architecture to develop compact optical payloads capable of acquiring and processing data directly in orbit. These solutions are designed to reduce the amount of data transmitted to the ground segment and increase the satellites’ operational autonomy.
– By combining Scanway’s optical capabilities with our data processing unit, we aim to deliver solutions that not only collect data but also interpret it autonomously whilst in orbit. This approach reduces the burden on the ground segment, speeds up decision-making processes and meets the market’s growing demand for autonomy. In a world where satellite constellations are becoming the norm, the real-time exchange of processed data between satellites takes on a whole new operational significance – comments Michał Zachara, CEO of KP Labs Sp. z o.o.
– As demand grows for increasingly advanced imaging instruments, we recognise the need for close cooperation with suppliers of data processing units. KP Labs is a natural partner for us – together we can develop complementary solutions and compete effectively both in ESA projects and on the commercial market – says Mikołaj Podgórski.
Both companies are also collaborating on the national CAMILA (Country Awareness Mission in Land Analysis) satellite constellation programme, which is being carried out by Creotech Instruments under a contract with the ESA. In the project, Scanway is responsible for the telescopes and optical cameras for the two satellites, whilst KP Labs is developing the on-board data processing systems and the mission test environment.
For more information about these companies, visit their websites: https://www.kplabs.space/ and https://scanway.pl/
About KP Labs: Founded in 2016, KP Labs operates in the New Space sector, accelerating space exploration through the development of autonomous mission operations and robotic technologies. The company offers comprehensive solutions, including fully integrated packages of hardware, software and in-house developed data processing algorithms. KP Labs is participating in 10 space missions and is carrying out over 35 projects for the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA and private clients. The company’s team comprises around 90 specialists, and KP Labs holds Research and Development Centre status granted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. In November 2024, the company received the President of the Republic of Poland’s Award in the ‘SME Leader’ category. For more information, visit: https://kplabs.space
About Scanway: Scanway S.A. is a Polish company that has been in operation for 10 years. It specialises in the optical data chain, covering: acquisition, processing, analytics and the prediction of events based on this data. In the Space segment, it supplies both hardware solutions (optical instruments, e.g. telescopes and cameras) and imaging analytics. In the Industry segment, it offers solutions (products) based on image data processing, including complete quality control systems. The Company’s expertise and experience in both fields are complementary and create synergies. Scanway aims to provide its customers with full access to key optical data in both segments.
As one of a dozen or so companies worldwide, Scanway has developed a complete line of optoelectronic products for Earth observation from orbit. The company carries out key contracts for space equipment in Poland and around the world, including for commercial clients. It operates STAR VIBE, Poland’s longest-operating optical observation satellite. The company’s solutions have been incorporated into the most important European and Polish space missions of 2024: among other achievements, the company deployed its equipment (Scanway Camera System) on the maiden flight of Europe’s newest launch vehicle, Ariane 6, and supplied Poland’s largest-ever telescope, weighing approximately 10 kg (SOP200), to EagleEye.
The company has completed nearly 50 quality control implementations in the industrial sector. As a technology partner to the sector’s largest manufacturers, it develops proprietary software solutions using AI and advanced applications for Industry 4.0.
In October 2023, the Company made its debut on the NewConnect market. On March 27, 2026, the Company made its debut on the Main Market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. For more information: https://scanway.pl/
Additional information:
KP Labs Sp. z o.o.
Julia Wiśniowska
Head of Marketing
+48 530 523 011
jwisniowska@kplabs.pl
Scanway S.A.
Katarzyna Żądło
Chief Communication & Investor Relations Officer
Scanway S.A.
+48 661 601 402
k.zadlo@scanway.pl
Mardoniusz Maćkowiak
Investor Relations Manager
cc group
+48 605 959 539
mardoniusz.mackowiak@ccgroup.pl
Franciszek Szukała
Financial Communication Manager
cc group
+48 664 920 048
franciszek.szukala@ccgroup.pl