The use of space-to-space non-Earth imagery (NEI) to underpin and de-risk space operations

HEO is a commercial company that performs Non-Earth Imaging (NEI), also referred to as Satellite-to-Satellite imaging or Space-to-Space imaging (S2S). This involves using space-based sensors to capture resolved imagery of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) in orbit. This approach has several challenges: objects in space are far apart from one another, and are moving with very high relative velocity. To perform NEI successfully and within a sensible time-scale, multiple imaging platforms are required with high resolution telescopes and a suitable automated infrastructure. HEO achieves this by leveraging existing Earth Observation platforms to perform high-cadence, resolved images of objects in space. Through use of HEO's Inspect platform which monitors imaging opportunities and controls sensor tasking, this capability is able to provide several key applications to space operations. This including defence applications (such as space object identification and capability assessment) as well as civil applications, such as mitigating the risk of space debris.