Author: Scanway
Publication date:
Scanway S.A., a leading exporter of space technologies, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), have initiated a collaboration to develop a new orbital thermal imaging solution—an infrared camera for space applications. The cameras will initially be integrated into an optical instrument being developed for a U.S.-based customer under a contract signed by Scanway in January this year.
The cameras will utilize JPL-developed sensors operating in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral ranges, enabling the development of instruments capable of conducting orbital thermal imaging observations.
The new technology will serve as a foundation for future Scanway projects, with the Company currently in discussions with JPL regarding a license for the sensor technology to support subsequent products and applications.
The thermal imaging solution jointly developed by JPL and Scanway expands the Company’s product portfolio and further strengthens its position among the world’s leading manufacturers of advanced optical payloads.
The project also supports Scanway’s strategic growth in high-value satellite data services, including its Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) business model.
The collaboration is initiated through the signing of a Support Letter, confirming the parties’ intention to cooperate and marking the first step toward establishing a long-term strategic technology partnership. The next stage will be the execution of a formal cooperation agreement. Under the current framework, both organizations will jointly develop a unique infrared camera for space applications utilizing, among other technologies, JPL sensors operating in the MWIR and LWIR infrared bands.
The first infrared camera jointly developed by Scanway and JPL will be launched into orbit as a technology demonstrator as part of a new class of optical instruments being developed for a U.S. customer. The project is carried out under the agreement signed by Scanway in January 2026, which provides for the development of a new optical instrument integrating multiple cameras operating across different spectral bands. The instrument will be deployed within an Earth observation satellite constellation currently under development.
In parallel, as part of the Company’s long-term strategy, the parties are discussing a licensing agreement that would grant Scanway access to JPL’s sensor technology. Such an expansion of the cooperation would enable the development of additional products and applications based on this technology.
“Orbital thermal imaging involves measuring infrared radiation emitted by observed objects, making it possible to determine their temperature and identify thermal anomalies. This technology is widely used in geological and atmospheric analysis, environmental monitoring, as well as security and defense applications. It is a highly advanced field requiring specialized expertise and is currently developed and offered by only a select group of global manufacturers of optical instruments,” said Mikołaj Podgórski, COO of Scanway S.A.
“Our collaboration with JPL and NASA, together with the development of new infrared cameras, significantly enhances Scanway’s technological capabilities while delivering new value to customers through orbital thermal imaging. Access to this technology strengthens our ability to build proprietary elements of the space supply chain and increases the Company’s technological independence. At the same time, it opens access to a new market segment, supporting Scanway’s continued expansion in high-value satellite data services, including the Data-as-a-Service model,” said Jędrzej Kowalewski, CEO of Scanway S.A.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is one of the agency’s premier research and development centers and a global leader in satellite technologies, Earth observation systems, and advanced sensors for space applications. Managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) on behalf of NASA, JPL has led many of the world’s most groundbreaking space exploration programs, including Mars missions, Earth observation initiatives, Solar System exploration, and the development of state-of-the-art imaging technologies and scientific instruments for space missions.
“Partnering with JPL—one of the world’s most advanced space technology organizations—validates Scanway’s technological maturity and the scale of projects we are prepared to undertake. Orbital thermal imaging solutions are currently being developed by only a handful of global industry leaders, making this project a significant milestone in strengthening our position within the global market for advanced optical payloads,” concluded Mikołaj Podgórski.
Growing Market Opportunity
The market for infrared imaging and orbital thermal observation solutions continues to expand, driven by increasing demand for high-value satellite data.
According to Growth Market Reports (Thermal Infrared Earth Observation Market), the global thermal infrared Earth observation market was valued at USD 1.97 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.36 billion by 2033, representing a 9.3% CAGR.[1]
Meanwhile, DataIntelo (Thermal Imaging Satellite Market) estimates the satellite thermal imaging market at USD 4.8 billion in 2025, forecasting growth to USD 10.3 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 8.9%.[2]
The segment’s growth aligns with broader trends in the Earth observation market. According to Novaspace (Prospects for the Earth Observation Market), the global EO market reached USD 5.4 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 4.7% over the next decade.[3]
Sources
[1] Growth Market Reports, Thermal Infrared Earth Observation Market: https://growthmarketreports.com/report/thermal-infrared-earth-observation-market
[2] DataIntelo, Thermal Imaging Satellite Market Research Report 2034: https://dataintelo.com/report/thermal-imaging-satellite-market
[3] Novaspace, Prospects for the Earth Observation Market: https://nova.space/analysis/prospects-for-the-earth-observation-market/
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 applications supporting the Industry 4.0 transformation.
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/
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