In a major step forward for space-enabled climate technology, UK-based satellite analytics company SatVu has announced a series of significant developments in its mission to deliver the world’s highest resolution thermal data from space. The company has officially signed the contract for its next-generation satellite, HotSat-2, and secured fresh capital to fast-track the development of HotSat-3, both scheduled to launch in 2025.
This announcement marks a pivotal milestone in SatVu’s journey, following the groundbreaking success of HotSat-1, which launched in 2023 as the world’s first commercial high-resolution thermal imaging satellite. HotSat-1 has since demonstrated the immense value of thermal infrared data, contributing to critical global intelligence efforts — including monitoring activity at North Korea’s Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center.
From Pathfinder to Constellation
HotSat-2 builds directly on HotSat-1’s legacy, incorporating enhanced technologies and design improvements drawn from in-orbit learnings. Together with HotSat-3, the new satellites will enable SatVu to deepen its coverage and broaden the scope of its analytics — addressing challenges from urban heat resilience and climate adaptation to economic activity tracking and national security.
This constellation is central to SatVu’s long-term vision: a fleet of nine thermal imaging satellites in orbit, capturing near real-time insights into Earth’s changing thermal landscape. As the company scales toward full constellation deployment, these next launches will be key to unlocking recurring revenue and expanding SatVu’s growing base of high-value customers.
Funding Momentum and Platform Innovation
Supporting this growth is the first close of a new funding round, which will expedite HotSat-3’s build and strengthen SatVu’s ability to deliver on its ambitious roadmap. With proven product-market fit, expanding investor confidence, and a robust demand pipeline, the company is gaining strong commercial traction in a rapidly evolving Earth observation market.
SatVu is also enhancing its proprietary SatVu Platform, aiming to deliver AI-powered insights and analytics-ready data products. These tools are being designed not just for data scientists and analysts, but for decision-makers across government, energy, urban planning, and climate-focused industries — enabling action through accessible, timely intelligence.
Leadership Voices
Anthony Baker, CEO and Co-Founder of SatVu, emphasized the company’s forward momentum:
“With the signing of the HotSat-2 contract, commitment to HotSat-3, huge customer interest, and a robust product plan, we’re accelerating our journey to shape the future of climate technology. Building on HotSat-1’s strong foundation, we’re focused on even greater innovation and impact with our upcoming satellite launches.”
Craig Brown, Investment Director at the UK Space Agency, praised SatVu’s progress:
“Congratulations to SatVu, which is demonstrating the power of satellite thermal imagery and attracting significant inward investment and customer interest. Having supported the company through our National Space Innovation Programme, we’re looking forward to the launches of these new satellites and to more organisations benefiting from the actionable insights they will provide from space.”
Toward a Safer, Smarter Planet
As climate risks intensify and the need for actionable environmental intelligence grows, SatVu’s thermal imaging capabilities are emerging as a vital new layer in Earth observation. With HotSat-2 and HotSat-3 on the horizon, the company is reaffirming its commitment to harnessing the power of space to support a safer, more sustainable Earth — and enabling a data-driven path to Net Zero.
Discussion about this post