The satellites will deliver high-resolution, multi-band, hyperspectral data, a method for capturing images of Earth across multiple bands, providing much more information than the three main colour bands that the human eye detects. Wyvern will first offer the data to the agriculture sector, where it will help to optimise yields and detect invasive plants, pests and changes in soil make-up.
Smart farming can optimise yields, increase soil quality, and improve water management. Around 38% of the world’s land and 70% of the world’s fresh water withdrawal is used for agriculture. By 2050, feeding a planet of nine billion people will require an estimated 50% increase in agricultural production and a 15% increase in water withdrawals, according to the World Bank. It’s predicted that by 2030, 40% of water demands are unlikely to be met.
Data from small satellites can be used to help predict environmental factors so that farmers and food producers can adjust their activities accordingly. This can range from seasonal planning which helps farmers know what to grow and when to do so more efficiently, to more efficient farm water management through, for example, better irrigation management. This in turn could help to maximise productivity and reduce costs while increasing environmental sustainability.
We are delighted that Wyvern, a specialist in Earth observation, has opted for the Space Data as a Service model to capture data. It will enable them to focus on delivering high quality services to their customers, while leaving to us to do what we do best - design, manufacture and operate spacecrafts. This contract is our largest Space Data as a Service contract to date. I foresee many more to come, both larger and smaller, as businesses discover this cost efficient and convenient way to access data from space-based assets.
Under the agreement, AAC Clyde Space will design, manufacture, and own three 6U EPIC satellites equipped with hyperspectral payloads, while Wyvern Inc. commits to subscribe to the data service for four years. After the first four years, the contract can be extended on an annual basis. The first satellite is planned for launch during first half year 2022, followed by two satellites planned for launch during the second half year 2022.
Wyvern aims to deliver Earth observation data in the hyperspectral bands to new customers at greater value. Working with AAC Clyde Space is a first step in securing the market while we develop optical technology that will continue to revolutionise space-based data for a variety of sectors.
The AAC Clyde Space EPIC VIEW satellite is an off-the-shelf CubeSat designed for Earth Observation applications. The flight-ready 6U CubeSats are highly integrated and utilize in-built precision-engineered avionics with decades of heritage from our widely used CubeSat subsystems. Each satellite is customized to fit the specific needs of the mission in order to deliver high-quality and reliable data back to Earth. You can learn more about the EPIC VIEW, and its counterpart, the EPIC LINK, here.
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