On January 14, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched two advanced satellites developed by Kongsberg NanoAvionics from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. These satellites are designed to monitor methane emissions and measure land surface temperatures.
Shortly after separation from the rocket's second stage, the mission operations center in Vilnius established communication with both satellites. The Constellr HiVE satellite constellation aims to reduce water wastage in agriculture, potentially saving 60 billion tons of water annually and providing significant economic benefits to farmers worldwide.
The SkyBee-1 satellite utilizes infrared sensors to measure surface temperatures with an accuracy of 1-2 Kelvin and a resolution of up to 10 meters. This technology is expected to help farmers optimize irrigation and detect drought conditions early.
Another satellite, GESat GEN1, will test an advanced laser spectroscopy device to detect and measure methane emissions with high precision. This mission marks a significant advancement in environmental monitoring capabilities.
Kongsberg NanoAvionics, a leading satellite technology company, has launched over 40 satellites since its inception, providing services to organizations such as NASA and ESA. The company employs nearly 300 people across its offices in Lithuania, the UK, and the USA.