Author: Scanway
Publication date:
In September of this year, Scanway conducted flight tests of an Earth observation instrument that will be the first in a constellation being built by South Korea’s Nara Space, with a target size of at least 12 microsatellites. The tests, conducted near Krosno, confirmed the functionality and performance of the Scanway instrument when imaging actual methane emissions from altitudes ranging from approximately 2 to over 3,000 meters above sea level. The data collected by Scanway has been accepted by Nara Space, marking the completion of the processing stage (data processing phase), which brings the Company closer to beginning work on the first flight model of the instrument. The successful test results have led to the receipt of the final installment under the test campaign, amounting to approximately 85,500 USD out of a total of approximately 285,100 USD, as well as an additional approximately 141,5 thousand EUR in connection with the achievement of a contract milestone for the second flight model.
- As a result of the flight tests, six sets of hyperspectral data—post-processed images—were delivered to Nara Space in South Korea, confirming the functionality of the sensors, optics, and processing in the engineering model of the Scanway Earth observation instrument
- Preparations for the flight tests took nearly a year and involved four companies and a research unit at Seoul National University; the entire campaign took place after the required environmental permits and approval from local authorities had been obtained
- Methane is the second-largest contributor to climate change after CO₂, but its emissions are difficult to detect from the Earth’s surface; the use of satellite imagery will enable the development of capabilities for the effective detection of methane emissions
- The success of the flight tests confirms Scanway’s expertise in the field of optical instruments and ensures that the NarSha project—a constellation of microsatellites for a global methane source monitoring infrastructure—is on schedule.
– In accordance with the extension of our agreement with South Korea’s Nara Space to include additional flight tests, we completed a campaign this September to test the Earth observation instrument under real-world methane emission conditions. An engineering prototype of the Scanway instrument imaged the area near Krosno from altitudes ranging from approximately 2 to over 3 thousand meters above sea level, detecting a point source of methane emissions. These efforts resulted in the collection of six sets of hyperspectral data—in the form of post-processed images—which we delivered to our partner. Nara Space’s acceptance of the documentation confirms that our instrument has demonstrated functionality and met the specified parameters, and that Scanway’s sensors, optics, and processing meet the stringent requirements of the NarSha project. The first Korean microsatellite constellation for a global methane source monitoring infrastructure, utilizing Polish instruments supplied by Scanway, is scheduled to begin operations in late 2026. – says Mikołaj Podgórski, COO of Scanway S.A.
The NarSha project aims to build Korea’s first microsatellite constellation for a global infrastructure to monitor point sources of methane in near real time and with local-level spatial resolution. It is being carried out by a consortium consisting of Nara Space Technology (lead partner), Scanway (supplier of observation instruments), the Climate Technology Center of Seoul National University, and the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute. Under a contract worth 1.7 million EUR and subsequent extensions totaling approximately 1.0 million EUR, Scanway is currently developing optical instruments for the first two microsatellites, which are scheduled to be launched into orbit in late 2026. The project shows potential for further expansion with additional instruments for the constellation.
The microsatellites in the NarSha project will be equipped with an optical instrument capable of detecting methane plumes in the visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), and short-wave infrared (SWIR) bands. The spectral resolution of the imaging instrument is expected to be less than 1 nanometer, and the ground sample distance (GSD) at an altitude of 500 km will be approximately 25 meters. The mass of a single satellite will be up to 32 kg with a size of 16U, meaning it will consist of 16 cubes measuring 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm.
– The tests conducted are part of a global trend toward monitoring methane emissions, in which the necessary technological capabilities are still being developed. Test campaigns using sensors designed for space missions under Earth-based conditions are rare. Scanway is one of the few companies in the world to have carried out this type of project. This confirms that, in addition to participating in major projects, we are also capable of successfully carrying out additional activities that require exceptional precision and a professional approach, both technically and organizationally. The successful campaign and data processing demonstrate that Scanway is ready to take on global challenges and meet the most stringent standards in the field of innovative technologies – says Paweł Snopek, Project Manager at Scanway S.A.
Nara Space Technology is a South Korean company specializing in satellite infrastructure and Earth observation data analysis. It was founded in 2015 and has focused on innovation in the New Space sector from the very beginning. The company designs and manufactures advanced satellites and develops data analysis technologies to help address global challenges such as climate change, food security, and natural resource management. Through platforms such as EarthPaper, Nara Space provides broad access to satellite data, supporting both strategic decision-making and users’ day-to-day needs.
Scanway is one of more than a dozen key European suppliers of optical systems for the space sector. The company has flight heritage, and its technology has been used in seven optical payloads launched to date. It works with clients from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, and diversifies its revenue streams by combining commercial contracts, funding from the ESA, and funding from major public programs. Approximately 80% of the company’s team consists of engineers with experience in the design, integration, and testing of optical and satellite systems.
About Scanway:
Scanway S.A. is a Polish company that has been in business for 9 years. It specializes in the optical data chain, which includes data acquisition, processing, analytics, and event prediction based on that data. In the Space segment, the company provides both hardware solutions (optical instruments, such as 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 strives to provide its customers with full access to key optical data in both segments.
As one of only a dozen or so companies worldwide, Scanway has developed a complete range 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 also 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 installed its equipment (the Scanway Camera System) on the maiden flight of Europe’s newest launch vehicle, Ariane 6, and delivered Poland’s largest-ever telescope, weighing approximately 10 kg (SOP200) to EagleEye—the largest satellite Poland has ever sent into space.
The company has completed over 40 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. It has fully achieved the goals announced in its initial public offering and is currently preparing to move to the Main Market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. For more information: https://scanway.pl/
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