Diagram of Synspective using Addvalue’s inter-satellite data relay system. Photo: Synspective/Addvalue

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) company Synspective is partnering with Addvalue to use its inter-satellite data relay system (IDRS) to deliver its SAR imagery more quickly to customers. 

Addvalue’s data relay system offers constant connection to satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) for data transfer when satellites are not in view of an Earth station. IDRS uses Inmarsat’s Elera satellite network, and Inmarsat and Addvalue have been working together since 2017. SAR company Capella Space was the first customer. 

Addvalue CEO Tan Khai Pang said the data relay system will deliver tasking orders to Synspective satellites in real time to “dramatically reduce the interval between request and delivery of the SAR image.” 

Synspective is working to establish a constellation of 30 SAR satellites geared toward disaster risk management and disaster resilience and the company said this collaboration will help it deliver data to customers more quickly. 

“In the aftermath of a natural disaster, high-quality data is required as quickly as possible. We believe that Addvalue’s IDRS can enhance the management, responsiveness and efficiency of our SAR satellites by delivering task orders and checking the status across our constellation,” said Toshihiro Obata, Synspective board director and general manager of its Satellite System Development department.