NEW ORLEANS — Xplore is now in control of XCUBE-1, the first satellite in the Bellevue, Washington, startup’s planned 12-satellite constellation.
XCUBE-1, a six-unit cubesat launched Dec. 21 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rideshare from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, will supply data for space domain awareness, precision agriculture, forestry management, astronomy and other applications.
“The ability to collect high-quality hyperspectral data at a low cost is critical for defense, intelligence, commercial and environmental-monitoring customers,” Lisa Rich, Xplore founder and chief operating officer, told SpaceNews by email. “With this satellite, Xplore is delivering the highest spatial resolution hyperspectral data currently available among commercial remote sensing companies worldwide.”
XCUBE-1 will provide Earth-observation data in an array of spectral bands at a resolution of 4.2 meters per pixel. Additional satellites in Xplore’s constellation will be equipped with multiple sensors.
“XCUBE-1 is the cornerstone of our constellation of satellites delivering high-value hyperspectral data for a diverse range of applications,” Jeff Rich, Xplore founder and CEO, said in a statement. “We are excited to begin providing our partners and dual-use customers with high-quality hyperspectral data. The launch and operation of our first satellite is a major achievement for Xplore’s team.”
Xplore, founded in 2017, is one of six hyperspectral data companies working with the National Reconnaissance Office. Under five-year agreements awarded in 2023, the NRO also is assessing hyperspectral data provided by BlackSky, HyperSat, Orbital Sidekick, Pixxel, Planet and Xplore.
“Xplore brings a cutting-edge hyperspectral monitoring capability into global geospatial data markets,” Kevin O’Connell, Xplore’s strategic advisor and former director of the Office of Space Commerce, said in a statement.
