Albedo prepares to launch Clarity-1 satellite for high-resolution imagery

In a significant advancement for satellite technology, Albedo is preparing to launch Clarity-1, its first satellite designed to operate in very low-Earth orbit (VLEO), aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket during the upcoming 'Transporter-13' mission. This launch is scheduled to occur at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, potentially within the week, coinciding with the peak of the solar cycle, which could have implications for the satellite's operational lifespan. Albedo's push into VLEO comes after a series of investments since 2021, totaling over $100 million, aimed at developing small- to medium-sized satellites that promise to capture imagery with unprecedented resolution, rivaling not just commercial but also national security systems. The Clarity-1 satellite is expected to deliver images at a resolution of 10 cm, a feat that is currently unmatched by existing commercial satellites. The technology aims to tackle the difficulties associated with capturing precise imagery in VLEO, where the Earth's rotation poses additional challenges for data collection. Regulatory issues present another challenge; many regions around the globe impose restrictions on aerial flyovers, complicating efforts to gather visual data through conventional means. Albedo has secured a contract with the US Air Force Research Laboratory worth up to $12 million, which will enable them to provide VLEO-specific data and analysis, further refining the potential applications of their satellites beyond merely imaging. To establish a comprehensive constellation, Albedo envisions expanding to around 24 satellites in the coming years, contingent on customer demand, but first, Clarity-1 must successfully demonstrate its capabilities in orbit. Eric Berger, a seasoned space journalist and senior space editor, underscores the importance of this advancement in satellite technology amidst the growth of satellite companies innovating to enhance imaging capabilities.