SALT LAKE CITY, August 12, 2025 – KP Labs and Simera Sense have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 39th Annual Small Satellite Conference in Utah. The agreement strengthens their collaboration, combining AI optical payloads with onboard data processing to power future Earth observation and planetary exploration missions.
The MoU creates a foundation for joint deployments where Simera Sense’s advanced cameras and KP Labs’ AI-driven data processors are integrated into compact payloads. This approach reduces mission complexity, accelerates development, and enables smarter small satellite missions with real-time decision-making.
Growing demand for in-orbit autonomy highlights the importance of this collaboration. By processing data directly in space, satellite operators can cut latency, optimise downlink use, and transmit only the most valuable information. This is particularly relevant for environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban analytics and planetary science, where rapid insights are critical.
“By combining proven, flight-ready technologies, we’re offering a shortcut to mission teams who want to deploy optical-AI solutions without building everything from scratch,” said Michał Zachara, COO at KP Labs.
The partnership’s first demonstration will take place on the OPS-SAT VOLT mission, led by Craft Prospect with ESA. Launching in mid-2026, the mission will fly Simera Sense’s HyperScape100 multispectral camera alongside KP Labs’ Leopard Data Processing Unit, running AI algorithms directly onboard. This CubeSat mission will validate how integrated AI optical payloads can capture and process data autonomously in orbit.
Dr. Hina Khan, Head of Commercial at Craft Prospect, added: “The OPS-SAT VOLT mission will provide valuable flight heritage on the integrated payload and open further mission opportunities.”
This collaboration reflects a wider trend in the small satellite industry: modular, interoperable components that minimise custom engineering. Both companies are already in discussions with partners exploring intelligent payloads for institutional and commercial missions.
“For Simera Sense, this collaboration is an essential step in enabling responsive Earth observation missions with smaller satellites,” said Thys Cronje, CCO at Simera Sense. “Delivering near-real-time intelligence from space gives our customers a strategic advantage.”
The integrated AI optical payload will be showcased at industry events in late 2025, highlighting how mission-ready sensors and onboard computing units can deliver actionable results without ground intervention.
