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Wroclaw-based Scanway signs key agreement with KP Labs. Optical payloads and in-orbit data processing

KP Labs and Wrocław-based Scanway are expanding their cooperation in the field of optical payloads and data processing in orbit for future space missions. The creators of Wrocław-based Scanway are winners of the “30 Creative People of Wrocław” award. See details.

KP Labs Sp. z o.o. and Wrocław-based Scanway S.A., two leading Polish companies in the space industry, signed a cooperation agreement (Memorandum of Understanding, MoU) at Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen in the field of integrated optical payloads and on-board data processing systems for future space missions.

Memorandum of Understanding

– Under the MoU, the companies intend to combine Scanway's image acquisition technology with KP Labs' computing architecture to create compact optical payloads that process and transform image data directly in orbit, reducing the need for data transmission to the ground segment and increasing the operational autonomy of satellites, the companies said.

The partnership also opens up opportunities to develop solutions for space exploration missions and other applications beyond Earth observation, including those supporting deep space mission operations.

This partnership enables us to combine state-of-the-art optical observation capabilities with intelligent data processing in orbit. By combining Scanway's optics with our onboard data processing ecosystem, we aim to deliver payloads that not only acquire data but also interpret it autonomously at the source. This reduces the burden on the ground segment, shortens decision cycles, and allows operators to focus on mission objectives rather than raw data handling

Michał Zachara, COO KP Labs Sp. z o.o.

It is difficult to find a better local partner than KP Labs – together, we can effectively compete in European Space Agency (ESA) projects and other markets wherever the combination of our telescopes and their DPU provides the greatest value to customers. It is worth noting that we are already working together on joint projects and are simultaneously discussing further initiatives, including with ESA

Mikołaj Podgórski, COO of Scanway S.A.

CAMILA satellite constellation program – Country Awareness Mission in Land Analysis

Both companies are cooperating within the national CAMILA (Country Awareness Mission in Land Analysis) satellite constellation program, run by Creotech Instruments S.A. under a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA).

The CAMILA program includes a set of Polish observation satellites and ground infrastructure.

Scanway supplies telescopes and optical cameras for two satellites, while KP Labs is responsible for on-board data processing systems, part of the flight software in its DPU, and the EGSE test environment, providing complementary expertise for the optical segment of the mission.

What does KP Labs do?

Founded in 2016, KP Labs operates in the New Space sector, accelerating space exploration through the development of autonomous mission operations and robotic technologies.

  • KP Labs participates in nine space missions and carries out over 35 projects for the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and private clients.
  • The company's team consists of approximately 80 specialists, and KP Labs has the status of a Research and Development Center granted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.

What does Scanway do?

Scanway S.A. is a Wrocław-based company that has been operating for nine years. It specializes in the optical data chain, including acquisition, processing, analytics, and event prediction based on this data.

  • In the Space segment, it provides both hardware solutions (optical instruments, e.g., telescopes, cameras) and analytics for imaging.
  • In the Industry segment, it offers solutions (products) based on image data processing, including complete quality control systems.
  • As one of several entities in the world, Scanway has developed complete optoelectronic products for Earth observation from orbit.

The company executes key contracts for space equipment in Poland and worldwide, including for commercial customers. It operates STAR VIBE, the longest-running Polish optical observation satellite.

The company's solutions were included in the most important European and Polish space missions of 2024: among other things, the company placed its equipment (Scanway Camera System) on the inaugural flight of the latest European Ariane 6 launch vehicle and supplied the largest telescope in Polish history, weighing approx. 10 kg (SOP200), to EagleEye – the largest satellite Poland has ever sent into space.

The company has over 40 implementations in the field of quality control in the industrial sector to its credit. As a technology partner for the largest manufacturers in this sector, it creates proprietary software solutions using AI and advanced applications for Industry 4.0.

Wrocław in the space industry

Wrocław has an increasingly strong position in the Polish space industry. It is worth remembering that: