2 hours ago - Science

Flyby satellite imagery startup HEO raises $25M

Alex Fitzpatrick

Grayscale multi-panel image of CZ-2C R/B hardware in space across Blue, Near-Infrared, Red, and Green bands. Each panel shows a 5 m scale and color-coded axes; HEO logos visible. — A collection of images of the CZ-2C rocket body. Images courtesy HEO

Australian space object imagery startup HEO has raised $25 million in Series B funding, Axios is first to report.

Why it matters: The company uses cameras and sensors attached to satellites to take "flyby" images of other satellites and spacecraft in orbit — a technique that it says provides a more complete picture than relying solely on Earth-based tracking.

That lets space companies and governments see objects in orbit, to help them better understand what's going on with their spacecraft and satellites — or those of adversarial nations.

Driving the news: HEO plans to use the money to expand its imaging capabilities into geostationary orbit, where many of humanity's most vital satellites operate.

It has previously operated only in low-Earth orbit.

What they're saying: HEO co-founder and CEO William Crowe compares his company's work to visual inspections done for buildings and aircraft.

"For commercial players, it allows you to really understand what's wrong with your spacecraft. So a bunch of companies have come to us when something's wrong with their spacecraft."

The bottom line: As the number of commercial satellites zipping around Earth increases by the day — and as space becomes increasingly militarized — having more eyes in the sky could become increasingly vital.

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Flyby satellite imagery startup HEO raises $25M

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