Thermal Infrared Makes Economic Activities Visible
Monitoring industrial production sites from space — a fascinating concept that is becoming a reality thanks to thermal infrared satellite sensors. However, the potential of this technology is still in its early stages. At present, only a few satellites in Earth orbit can collect thermal data with the spatial resolution needed to monitor sites like steel plants or specific aluminum and copper facilities.
The Current Situation: Limited Monitoring Capabilities
Today, the low number of thermal infrared satellites poses a significant challenge. The spatial and temporal resolution of existing sensors is often not sufficient to accurately monitor smaller production sites or facilities with lower thermal emissions. But this limitation could soon be a thing of the past.
The Future: Over 100 New Thermal Infrared Sensors in Orbit
According to recent data from newspace.im, the number of thermal infrared satellites in Earth orbit is set to increase dramatically. More than 100 new sensors are planned for launch in the coming years. This expansion will not only greatly improve revisit times — how frequently a satellite passes over a location — but also enhance spatial resolution. These advancements will make it possible to monitor smaller production sites or those with lower thermal emissions, such as chemical plants, fertilizer factories, and electrical substations.
What This Means for Industry
- Increased Data Availability: Shorter revisit times will enable more frequent monitoring.
- Broader Coverage: Facilities previously unmonitored due to size or thermal emissions will become accessible.
- More Accurate Insights: Higher spatial resolution will improve data quality, leading to more precise analyses.
LaGrand: A Pioneer in Real-Time Economic Monitoring
LaGrand specializes in monitoring steel plants and other select industrial sites. Using a patented technology, we leverage thermal infrared data to measure economic activity in real time. With the next generation of satellites, our portfolio will expand significantly. Industries such as chemicals, fertilizer production, and energy infrastructure could soon benefit from the same cutting-edge technology we currently use for steel.
Conclusion
LaGrand is at the forefront of a new era. With the growing availability of thermal infrared data and continuous improvements in satellite technology, we are prepared to offer our clients deeper insights into the economic activities of their industries. Stay ahead of the curve — contact us today to learn more!