Author: Scanway
Publication date:
Scanway S.A. – a leading exporter of space technology – and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) – NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – (The California Institute of Technology) will develop a new solution for orbital thermography – an infrared camera for space applications. The cameras will initially be used in an optical instrument for a client in the US market, in accordance with an agreement signed by Scanway S.A. in January this year.
- The cameras will utilise JPL sensors operating in the mid-wave (MWIR) and long-wave (LWIR) infrared ranges, enabling the development of instruments capable of conducting thermal observations from orbit
- The new technology will be developed in the Company’s future projects – Scanway is in talks with JPL regarding a licence for sensor technology to be used in future solutions and projects
- The thermographic solution being developed by JPL and Scanway expands the Company’s product portfolio and strengthens its position amongst the world’s leading manufacturers of advanced optical payloads
- The new project supports Scanway’s development in the field of services based on satellite data with high analytical value, including the Data-as-a-Service model
Cooperation between the parties is initiated by the signed Support Letter, which confirms the possibility of collaboration and constitutes the first stage in building a strategic technological relationship. The next stage will be the signing of a cooperation agreement. Under the current arrangements, both organisations will develop a unique infrared camera for space applications. The solution will utilise, amongst other things, JPL sensors operating in the mid-wave (MWIR) and long-wave (LWIR) infrared ranges.
The first camera, developed jointly 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 US client. The project is being carried out under a contract signed by the Company in January this year. The contract provides for the development of a new instrument integrating several cameras operating in different wavelength ranges, which will be used in the Earth observation satellite constellation currently under construction.
At the same time – in the context of the Company’s long-term plans – the parties are in discussions regarding a licence for Scanway to use JPL’s sensor technology. Expanding this collaboration will enable the development of further solutions and applications based on this technology.
– Thermographic observations from orbit involve measuring the infrared radiation emitted by the objects being observed, which makes it possible to determine their temperature and identify thermal anomalies. This technology is used, amongst other things, in the analysis of geological and atmospheric processes, environmental monitoring, and applications relating to security and defence. It is an advanced technology requiring highly specialised expertise, developed and offered by a very small group of global manufacturers of optical instruments – explains Mikołaj Podgórski, COO of Scanway S.A.
– Our collaboration with JPL and NASA, together with the development of new infrared cameras, enables us to significantly enhance Scanway’s technological capabilities, delivering value to our customers through the use of orbital thermography. Access to this type of technology strengthens our capabilities in building our own links in the supply chain and increases the Company’s technological independence. At the same time, we are gaining exposure to a new market segment, which supports Scanway’s further development in the area of services based on satellite data with high analytical value, including the Data as a Service model – says Jędrzej Kowalewski, Chairman of the Management Board of Scanway S.A.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is one of NASA’s most important research and development centres. It is a world leader in satellite technology, observation systems and advanced sensors for space applications. The laboratory is managed by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) on behalf of the US space agency NASA. JPL has been responsible for carrying out groundbreaking space exploration projects, including Mars missions, Earth observation programmes, research into the Solar System, and the development of modern imaging technologies and scientific instruments used in space.
– Our collaboration with JPL – one of the world’s most advanced space technology centres – confirms Scanway’s technological maturity and the calibre of projects we are ready to undertake. Orbital thermography solutions are currently being developed exclusively by a select group of global market leaders, which is why this project significantly strengthens our position in the global advanced optical payloads segment – concludes Mikołaj Podgórski.
The market for solutions utilising infrared imaging and thermal imaging from orbit is growing in line with the rising demand for satellite data of high analytical value. According to Growth Market Reports (“Thermal Infrared Earth Observation Market”), the value of the global thermal infrared Earth observation market stood at US$1.97 billion in 2024 and is projected to rise to US$4.36 billion by 2033, at a compound annual growth rate of 9.3 per cent[1]. DataIntelo (“Thermal Imaging Satellite Market”), meanwhile, estimates the value of the satellite thermal imaging systems market at USD 4.8 billion in 2025 and forecasts that it will grow to US$10.3 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 8.9 per cent[2]. Potencjał segmentu wpisuje się w szerszy rozwój rynku obserwacji Ziemi – Novaspace („Prospects for the Earth Observation Market”) wskazuje, że globalny rynek EO osiągnął wartość 5,4 mld USD w 2024 r., a w kolejnych 10 latach ma rosnąć średnio o 4,7% rocznie[3].
[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 company that has been in business for 10 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, it 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 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:
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