HEO partners with Planet for non-Earth satellite imaging

HEO, an Australian company specializing in satellite observation, has partnered with Planet to utilize SkySat high-resolution satellites for non-Earth imaging (NEI). This collaboration allows HEO to use Planet’s sensors to observe objects in space rather than Earth, providing critical data for monitoring satellite health, identifying malfunctions, and supporting intelligence operations.

Under the agreement, HEO will task SkySat satellites for NEI missions when they are not being used for Earth observation. Due to licensing restrictions, these high-resolution images will initially be available exclusively to HEO’s United States government customers. The company intends to eventually expand these services to commercial clients.

By integrating Planet’s imaging constellation with HEO’s analytical expertise, the partnership aims to provide scalable on-orbit imaging capacity to detect and characterize activities in space. This capability is vital for understanding the status of orbiting assets, such as SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, which can be monitored to determine if malfunctions involve rotation or structural damage.