ABB has been engaged in space-based instrumentation for decades and has established a reputation for providing highly reliable, precision-engineered analytical systems for this very demanding environment.

At the heart of these systems lie ABB’s high-precision spectrometers, which analyze the wavelength composition of light in fine detail to detect and quantify the presence of atmospheric gases − such as carbon dioxide and methane − from orbit. This capability has become essential in climate science, enabling researchers and policymakers to track emissions with unprecedented accuracy. For example, the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment (ACE) is the main payload of the Canadian science satellite, SciSat. ACE consists of a suite of instruments in which the primary element is an ABB infrared Fourier Transform Spectrometer (FTS) coupled with ABB imagers in the visible and near-infrared ranges. In collaborations with NASA, the European Space Agency, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Airbus, ABB’s expertise has also supported satellites that monitor, notably, trace gases, ozone and greenhouse emissions − laying the foundation for today’s advanced Earth observation capabilities.

Picture perfect

Now, ABB is expanding beyond spectroscopy into advanced satellite imaging technologies, marking a significant evolution in its space portfolio. For instance, through a collaboration with EarthDaily Analytics, ABB is helping to enable something quite new: a continuously updated, high-resolution digital image of the Earth's surface. From a 10-satellite constellation, EarthDaily will use ABB imaging technology to deliver photos of the entire earth at 5-meter resolution on a near-daily basis. ABB designs and manufactures the multi-spectral camera assembly for this remarkable enterprise (Images 1-2).

This shift from today’s monthly refreshed observations or limited area cover to near-daily global coverage has transformative potential. Much as the Global Positioning System (GPS) evolved from a specialized military tool into an everyday utility, high-frequency Earth imaging could also become embedded in daily life. From agriculture and supply chain optimization to disaster response and urban planning, businesses and governments can rely on continuously updated visual data to make faster and more informed decisions. Here, artificial intelligence will play a big role in spotting trends or differences as the quantity of data that needs to be processed would be beyond reasonable human capability.

Limited disk space in space

Delivering this capability, however, presents formidable engineering challenges. Satellites orbit the Earth at about 7 km/s, so ABB’s imaging instruments must capture and process images at up to 1,500 frames per second, generating huge volumes of data that cannot simply be stored or transmitted in raw form. Onboard storage is limited, and opportunities to downlink data to Earth typically occur only once or twice per orbit. Therefore, real-time data compression and processing onboard the satellite are essential.

To address this issue, ABB partnered with Xiphos Systems Corporation − a Canadian specialist in high-performance onboard computing – to develop advanced data-handling systems capable of efficiently compressing and managing image data without compromising quality. This collaboration highlights the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of space engineering, where optics, electronics and software must work together flawlessly under extreme conditions. Indeed, the rise of private space companies, large and small, has introduced a new dynamic, with organizations offering cost-effective, high-performance solutions and operating with fewer constraints than traditional government agencies. This shift has created opportunities for established players like ABB, whose combination of technical expertise and competitive pricing has enabled it to expand successfully into the commercial space sector.

A picture of health

Satellite-based measurement, analytics, and imaging offer access-unrestricted, objective, globally comparable data on greenhouse gas emissions, allowing governments and organizations to verify emission reduction claims and underpin mechanisms such as carbon taxes or credits. A compelling example here is ABB’s work with GHGSat, where ABB provides analyzers for their satellite-based systems that detect and measure methane emissions from industrial sources worldwide (Image 3). These measurements provide actionable insights for companies seeking to cut emissions and for regulators aiming to enforce environmental standards.

Ultimately, ABB’s evolution from a provider of precision spectrometers to a key player in high-resolution Earth imaging underscores the growing importance of space-based data, especially given the increase in enterprises offering rocket launches. By combining deep scientific expertise with innovative engineering and strategic partnerships, ABB is helping to create a future where continuous, reliable insight into our planet becomes as indispensable as GPS, aiding better decisions for business, policy and the environment.