British satellite company Satellite Vu has signed a deal with SpaceX to launch its satellites into low earth orbit in early 2023. The company’s satellites collect thermal data of the built and natural environment and are capable of measuring the heat signature of a building several times per day.

The company stated that it should be able to provide near real-time insights into building heat loss. This would allow authorities to decide where to most efficiently invest in insulation and other energy optimisation investments.

A spokesperson for Satellite Vu said, “The mission will launch the first of Satellite Vu’s seven UK built satellites into a low earth orbit. Satellite Vu has been well funded, so far raising £15 million in Series A investment and receiving two grants from the UK Space Agency and a third grant from the European Space Agency (ESA).

“Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) are building the satellites which have been designed with a 3.5m resolution mid-wave infrared imager with video capability and a sensitivity of less than 2 degrees Celsius.

“The satellite video generation capability adds unique advantages over traditional imagery, allowing for the detection of highly dynamic features and the building of 3D profiles, useful for a range of applications such as alleviating the effect of heat islands in inner cities, monitoring the pollution of waterways from industrial processes, reducing the cost of heating buildings and ensuring buildings are energy efficient, and assessing the activity status of solar farms.”