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As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on a year that’s been nothing short of extraordinary. In the ever-changing domain of space, each moment is unique, often irreplaceable and unrepeatable.
Non-Earth Imaging (NEI) allows us to freeze these fleeting moments, capturing the unknown and revealing moments that may never be replicated. While NEI is known for producing stunning visuals of in-orbit objects, its true value lies in answering critical questions about space. From identifying objects and analysing their behaviour to assessing health, detecting anomalies, and enabling decisive operations, NEI has become an essential tool in shaping the future of space management.
This year, as the demand for actionable space insights surged, we expanded our capabilities, refined our imaging techniques, and unveiled unprecedented views of the orbital environment. Every image tells a story, whether it’s exposing the condition of a derelict satellite, characterising newly-formed debris, or validating the success of a critical mission.
Join us as we look back at some of our most remarkable NEI moments from 2024.
HEO’s imaging mission captured an H-2A rocket body. NEI is emerging as a vital tool for space sustainability by characterising and monitoring objects to improve the safety and effectiveness of space debris mitigation efforts. From initial planning and operational execution to re-entry monitoring and in-orbit servicing missions, NEI imagery and insights are driving a new standard of precision in preserving the orbital environment.
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HEO’s imaging mission for the ZY 3 satellite had a 0.04 m/px resolution. With this image quality, we have the ability to accurately determine an object's size, shape, type, deployment health, configuration, attitude and payload pointing using NEI. These Insights help us determine capability, activity status, health and intent of objects.
On June 26, 2024, the Resurs P1 satellite broke up in space creating debris. HEO’s archived images of the Resurs P1 satellite showed an anomaly on the deployment of its solar arrays. HEO also captured post-breakup imagery to support attribution efforts.
ESA and JAXA’s joint EarthCARE mission launched to space in June 2024. HEO imaged the EarthCARE satellite moments after it successfully deployed its solar panel in orbit, showcasing how NEI supports deployment verification and helps operators to confidently move ahead with commissioning.
After announcing a partnership with BlackSky, HEO captured an image of a Starlink V2 Mini with a BlackSky sensor using HEO Inspect. BlackSky's high-cadence imaging capabilities helps HEO deliver non-Earth imaging solutions when timing is crucial.
From 85 kilometres away, HEO captured an image of the International Space Station using a BlackSky sensor. At the time of the imaging mission, the ISS was over the Philippines.
We launched our first NEI camera, Holmes, to orbit on June 2023. After our partner completed their satellite commissioning, we pointed our camera towards the Moon in early 2024. This was our first non-Earth image with Holmes, proving successful operations on our first launch.
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