HEO

Identifying and characterising resident space objects have long been a mainstay of space operations, including attribution, accurate tracking, and assessing capabilities and threats to prevent operational surprises. However, traditional methods of identifying and tracking satellites, relying on ground-based sensors like optical and radar, are struggling to keep pace with the growing number of objects in orbit. These approaches only provide limited characterisation, often leading to large uncertainties and limited effectiveness in real-world applications. Recent advancements in the use of space-based assets, specifically in flyby Non-Earth Imaging (NEI), are transforming how HEO approaches identification and characterisation. Our latest white paper outlines our flyby NEI methodology, highlighting its use for rapid satellite identification and characterisation and examines real-world cases where we successfully characterised resident space objects. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gWSUEGjf Pictured: Non-Earth Imagery by HEO of ZY 3.

New Holmes non-Earth imagery just dropped 🔥 We turned our Holmes Imager towards Jupiter and captured 5 satellites in a single imaging mission. Can you identify them all? Hint: only one of them was launched from Earth. #NEI #Holmes #HolmesImager #NEICamera #Jupiter

What's one of the biggest problems in space today? The scarcity of quality in-orbit insights. Until now, very few satellite platforms were equipped to perform Non-Earth Imaging (NEI) effectively. HEO addresses this gap with a unique approach. We tap into a network of Earth observation sensors, renting them when they’re not in use. For partners without onboard cameras, we provide our purpose-built NEI sensors, granting us access to new orbits and expanded coverage. This network allows us to deliver NEI at scale. Once the imaging mission is complete, we generate mission-specific insights for satellite operators and governments to enhance satellite protection and resilience. This provides a visual confirmation of what exactly is in space and what it is doing. In the rest of the video we touch on how it’s making a difference. We’ll put the link in the comments!👇

HEO once was focused on visiting asteroids. It didn’t work out, but it led us to this instead. William Crowe’s PhD research delved into the dynamics of spacecraft swarms around asteroids and even included a prize-winning paper on satellite missions targeting these celestial bodies. While visiting asteroids to assess their resources wasn’t a new concept, the challenge lies in our limited data. Humanity has visited less than 20 out of the over 1 million asteroids in our Solar System. The main obstacle? The astronomical cost—over ~$500 million per visit. During their PhD research, Will and Hiranya "HJ" Jayakody developed the technology that HEO continues to refine today, which, at the time, slashed the cost to around $1 million per asteroid visit. However, they quickly realised that even this significant reduction wasn't enough. The classic "chicken and egg" dilemma emerged: no data to build a business case for asteroid mining, and without a solid business case, no investment to collect the necessary data. Staying true to their mission, they pivoted the technology to meet immediate demand. The method they devised for asteroid flybys was incredibly valuable for inspecting satellites and debris in Earth orbit. While visiting asteroids remains our ultimate goal, HEO is currently focused on inspecting satellites from space, and helping operators and governments monitor and maintain their assets in the harsh orbit environment. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Curious for more? Watch the full deep dive into HEO in the comments!👇

HEO is on a journey to make space transparent. “But isn’t space a transparent domain?” Yes, it is. But there’s much we don’t see or understand. Satellites fail, debris accumulates, and bad actors exploit this lack of transparency, leading to potential conflicts back on Earth. We’re on a mission to change this. We’ve developed cutting-edge technology to provide on-demand in-orbit insights to make sure we can maintain the spatial resource we’ve come to rely on every day. Curious to learn more? We went in front of the camera to talk about how we're making space truly transparent. Watch it here: https://lnkd.in/gEiPmyXE

The U.S. space industry is booming, but navigating its strict regulations can be challenging for global companies. Recently, Hyperspace Challenge shared strategies from experts on entering this complex market. Panelists highlighted the evolving regulatory landscape including efforts by the Department of Commerce to attract foreign companies and enable access to U.S. capital, manufacturing, and workforce. Companies like Exotrail US are successfully navigating U.S. regulations, such as FOCI mitigation, and their example is helpful for teams looking to accelerate market entry. Listen to SpaceNews's Sandra Erwin lead the discussion: Unlocking Opportunities for Global Companies Entering the U.S. Space and Defense Market: https://loom.ly/kQZvF6M The program's jumping off point? Erwin's 2023 article: Overseas firms on a journey to establish themselves as U.S. entities (https://loom.ly/LWC_c5U) Thank you to panelists Charlene Jacka, Jack Shelton, Brian Holt, and Nate Notargiacomo.

What is spookier than ghosts or zombies on Halloween? Unknown objects in space! There are over 500 unidentified objects in orbit at any given time. At HEO, we have a strict #NoUFOPolicy. We have identified 66 of these mystery objects that are still listed as unknown on public catalogues. Why does this matter? By identifying these satellites, we’re contributing to a safer, more transparent space environment where any potential hazard or debris incident has traceable origins. This means better answers for liability and greater transparency for all. The gif below shows an unknown object that HEO identified through non-Earth imaging as CZ-8 R/B, which has since re-entered Earth’s atmosphere. #MakeSpaceTransparent #SpaceSafety #TransparencyInSpace #NEI #NonEarthImaging

🎙️ Tune In - Our Co-Founder & CEO, William Crowe joins the Space Business Podcast to share HEO’s origin story—from our asteroid-focused beginnings—to the commercial and national security use cases of non-Earth imaging. Discover how we’re tackling the most complex challenges in space! https://lnkd.in/gRZN8xrk #NEI #SDA #SSA #NationalSecurity #SpaceSecurity #SpaceBusiness

It's been an incredible week at #IAC2024 so far, and HEO is excited to be part of the conversation on how we can #MakeSpaceTransparent by harnessing the power of commercial non-Earth imaging (NEI) to transform space object insights. Highlights of the week so far: 🚀 Ken Adabie and Hannah Dawe represented HEO at the Space Generation Advisory Council’s 22nd Space Generation Congress, supporting the next generation of space leaders, including HEO's Laurene Colin. 📸 Showcasing our new Adler Imager, the largest commercial camera dedicated to NEI, at the Australian Pavilion. 👩🚀 Engaging with the ~11,000 delegates from 120 nations, including astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, and building exciting new partnerships across the space industry. What's next? 🎙️ Don't miss Hannah Dawe's presentation on Thursday, October 17th at 2:30 p.m. where she'll present our joint paper with UK Space Agency on "The use of space-to-space Non-Earth Imagery (NEI) to underpin and de-risk space-debris operations." 💡 Be sure to catch Astroscale's presentation on "Supporting proximity operations by direct measurements of relative Servicer-Client state using resolved imagery," where HEO's NEI technology has supplemented rendezvous proximity operations sensors. Let’s keep the conversation going at #IAC2024! #SGAC #SGC #SGC2024 #SpaceGeneration #Milan #SpaceEvents

"Australia has the benefit of not having the same regulatory environment baggage of the US, especially in space technologies. This makes innovation easier in many ways. Once we experiment and can show proof points to other like-minded countries, we help them adopt these technologies at scale." - HEO’s Co-Founder and CEO William Crowe, at SXSW Sydney’s panel on Building a Resilient and Democratic Australia - How we use Critical Technology to Keep us Safe. Kate Lundy l Adrian Turner l Dan Bennett l Salus Ventures