Author: Scanway
Publication date:
Scanway S.A. and KP Labs Sp. z o.o., two leading Polish space technology companies, have launched the implementation of the ScyLab project for the European Space Agency (ESA). Under the signed agreement, the companies will jointly develop a solution comprising a short-wave infrared (SWIR) telescope integrated with a Data Processing Unit (DPU), while advancing their proprietary technologies and expertise in onboard data processing.
The ScyLab initiative will be carried out under a contract between ESA and KP Labs, which serves as the project leader. The project is scheduled to run over the next 18 months, culminating in the delivery of an engineering model that will undergo joint testing by Scanway and KP Labs to validate its observational and operational performance.
The value of the contract allocated to Scanway S.A. amounts to EUR 815,000. The commencement of the contract triggers an advance payment, while final settlement is expected by the end of 2027.
“As part of the project, we will develop proprietary electronics for operating a short-wave infrared (SWIR) sensor. Working together with KP Labs allows us to expand our technological capabilities, particularly in integrating our own solutions with KP Labs’ Data Processing Unit,” said Mikołaj Podgórski, COO of Scanway S.A.
“From an opto-mechanical perspective, the solution is based on our proven SOP120 architecture. On the camera system side, however, we will replace the previously used commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) component with our own proprietary technology, designed from the ground up to operate seamlessly with the DPU. This is a key element of the project, enabling us to take control over another critical technology area while further increasing the level of vertical integration within our product portfolio.”
The ScyLab project is fully aligned with Scanway’s 2026–2028 Technology Development Strategy, particularly Strategic Direction 4: Development of Proprietary Supply Chain Capabilities. The initiative supports the Company’s objective of increasing technological independence by replacing externally sourced components and technologies with proprietary solutions, thereby strengthening control over its supply chain.
“The project will enable us to expand our portfolio with a new technology platform intended for future commercialization, creating opportunities for deployment in projects with commercial customers. At the same time, further development of the solution, including potential follow-on phases, will depend, among other factors, on the availability of funding from Poland’s contribution to ESA,” added Mikołaj Podgórski.
The agreement signed today between Scanway and KP Labs builds upon the cooperation initiated in November 2025, when the companies entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on the development of integrated optical payloads and onboard data processing systems for future space missions.
KP Labs develops advanced hardware and software solutions for onboard data processing, including Data Processing Units (DPUs), flight software, and artificial intelligence algorithms supporting autonomous mission operations. Scanway specializes in high-resolution optical instruments and camera systems for Earth observation and in-orbit inspection, developing its Scanway Optical Payload (SOP) product line, which has already been validated in orbit.
Through their collaboration, the companies combine Scanway’s imaging technologies with KP Labs’ computing architecture to develop compact optical payloads capable of both acquiring and processing data directly in orbit. These solutions are designed to reduce the amount of data transmitted to ground stations while increasing satellite autonomy.
“By combining Scanway’s optical capabilities with our onboard data processing technology, we aim to deliver solutions that not only acquire data but also autonomously interpret it directly in orbit. This approach reduces the burden on the ground segment, accelerates decision-making processes, and addresses the market’s growing demand for autonomous satellite operations. As satellite constellations become the industry standard, the real-time exchange of processed data between satellites is gaining entirely new operational significance,” said Michał Zachara, CEO of KP Labs Sp. z o.o.
“As demand continues to grow for increasingly sophisticated imaging instruments, we recognize the importance of close cooperation with providers of onboard data processing systems. KP Labs is a natural partner for us—we can jointly develop complementary technologies and compete effectively in both ESA programs and the commercial market,” said Mikołaj Podgórski.
The two companies are also collaborating on CAMILA (Country Awareness Mission in Land Analysis), Poland’s national satellite constellation program, led by Creotech Instruments under an ESA contract. Within the project, Scanway is responsible for the optical telescopes and camera systems for two satellites, while KP Labs develops the onboard data processing systems and the mission’s testing environment.
More information about the companies is available at 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 delivers end-to-end solutions, including fully integrated hardware, software, and proprietary data processing algorithms.
KP Labs currently participates in 10 space missions and has delivered more than 35 projects for the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and commercial customers. The company employs approximately 90 specialists and holds the status of an official Research and Development Centre, granted by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
In November 2024, KP Labs received the President of the Republic of Poland Award in the SME Leader category.
For more information, visit: https://kplabs.space
About Scanway
Scanway S.A. is a Polish technology company with over ten years of experience specializing in the optical data value chain, including data acquisition, processing, analytics, and predictive insights.
In the Space segment, the Company delivers both hardware solutions—including optical instruments such as telescopes and cameras—and advanced image analytics. In the Industry segment, Scanway develops image processing solutions, including complete AI-powered quality inspection systems. The Company’s expertise across both business areas is complementary, creating strong technological synergies. Scanway’s mission is to provide customers with comprehensive access to critical optical data across both sectors.
As one of only a handful of companies worldwide, Scanway has developed complete optoelectronic products for orbital Earth observation. The Company executes major space hardware contracts in Poland and internationally, serving both institutional and commercial customers. It also operates STAR VIBE, the longest-operating Polish optical Earth observation satellite.
Scanway’s technologies were featured in the most significant European and Polish space missions of 2024. The Company flew its Scanway Camera System aboard the maiden flight of Europe’s newest launch vehicle, Ariane 6, and delivered SOP200, Poland’s largest space telescope to date (approximately 10 kg), for the EagleEye mission.
In the industrial sector, Scanway has completed nearly 50 quality inspection system deployments. As a technology partner to leading manufacturers, the Company develops proprietary AI-based software solutions and advanced Industry 4.0 applications.
Scanway debuted on the NewConnect market in October 2023 and was listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange Main Market on 27 March 2026.
For more information, visit: https://scanway.pl/
KP Labs Sp. z o.o.
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