Early high-resolution images captured by EarthDaily’s first satellite, EDC-01, have been released to the public, highlighting the performance of advanced space imaging systems developed by ABB. The multispectral payload, designed and manufactured by ABB in close collaboration with EarthDaily, began delivering imagery in 2025 and is now demonstrating its capability to detect subtle daily changes across the planet.
The imaging system stands among the most powerful ever deployed in orbit, digitising more than 20 billion pixels per second. EarthDaily’s proprietary image fusion technology further enhances the data, generating highly detailed visual insights from multiple spectral bands and enabling precise monitoring of environmental and human-driven changes worldwide.
At the core of the satellite’s capabilities is a compact and innovative telescope architecture that integrates 16 multispectral imagers onto a single spacecraft bus. Each satellite in the constellation is equipped with 12 visible and near-infrared (VNIR) imagers, two short-wave infrared (SWIR) imagers and two thermal infrared (LWIR) imagers, delivering broad spectral coverage for comprehensive Earth observation.
Initial data confirms that the VNIR telescopes are operating near the diffraction limit, a benchmark rarely achieved in space-based imaging. This performance is supported by a thermally resilient structural design and micron-level alignment tolerances maintained throughout launch conditions. An advanced stray light baffle system reduces interference from sunlight and moonlight, preserving image contrast and clarity. The scalable architecture also allows for larger apertures in future missions, paving the way for even finer ground resolution.
Frederic Grandmont of ABB’s Measurement & Analytics division noted that consistent sensor-to-sensor performance is essential for a constellation designed to function as a unified planetary measurement system. The early data enables detailed comparison among the 12 identical VNIR cameras onboard each satellite.
Don Osborne, CEO of EarthDaily, described the milestone as the result of years of disciplined engineering collaboration. He stated that ABB’s commitment to precision has helped establish the foundation for delivering reliable and repeatable global Earth intelligence.
In 2022, ABB secured a contract to develop the multispectral systems in partnership with Xiphos Systems Corporation and Loft Orbital for EarthDaily’s 10-satellite constellation. More than 130 ABB engineers have contributed to the programme. With additional launches planned in May and commercial operations targeted for summer 2026, the constellation will provide daily global coverage of land and major maritime regions.
