Marble Imaging: Monitoring our Planet with Unprecedented Earth Observation Precision

In the ever-evolving landscape of Earth Observation (EO) technology, ESA BIC Northern Germany’s latest incubatee, Marble Imaging, emerges as a transformative force with new satellite constellation. This pushes the boundaries of conventional satellite imaging. With a shared vision to address major global challenges, from wildfire mapping and disaster response to marine monitoring and infrastructure monitoring, the team at Marble Imaging is pioneer in the New Space frontier.

Joining Forces
The concept of Marble Imaging emerged in 2022 from a conversation between friends, Alexander Epp and Robert Hook. Alexander, a journalist, conveyed his frustration with the limited access to satellite imaging over Ukraine. Recognising the gap between robust infrastructure development and end-user accessibility, Robert, an aerospace engineer at OHB, grasped the disconnect highlighted by Alexander.

As an idea slowly began to develop, Dr Raul Scarlat, a data scientist working with Robert, provided invaluable insights into the potential of EO technology from a user perspective. Sensing an opportunity there, the trio sought to establish themselves as a business, attracting the attention of Dr Gopika Suresh, an EO scientist working in the commercial EO sector. Alongside the longstanding friendship with Robert and a shared academic background with Raul in Bremen, Gopika enthusiastically joined the venture. During their conversations, she highlighted the lack of affordable Very High-Resolution (VHR) data for precise insights and the untapped potential of EO data in the public sector. This marked the inception of Marble Imaging, as the quartet collaborated to formulate a proposal for the ESA BIC Northern Germany, bringing their shared visions to life.

Spacetech
Officially founded in August 2023 in Bremen, the prominent aeronautics and space hub of northern Germany, Marble Imaging stands at the forefront of revolutionising Earth observation with an ambitious satellite constellation mission. At the heart of their vision is the extraction of detailed EO-based analytics and solutions supported by the establishment of a constellation of satellites which is made up of approximately 200 individual satellites and dedicated to the daily monitoring of Earth at an unprecedented resolution.

More than a technological marvel, this constellation of satellites would be a testament to Marble Imaging’s commitment to climate adaptation and sustainability; carefully engineered to capture detailed, very high-resolution imagery during each orbit, that will be used to develop EO powered analytics that will prompt informed decision making for industries and government bodies alike. In practical terms, this satellite constellation would become an invaluable resource for monitoring and mapping changes, ensuring swift responses to protect both environments and communities.

Positioned as a big data solutions company, Marble Imaging offers expertise in analysing, utilising, and implementing EO data analytics for a diverse clientele. Their future satellite constellation, currently in development, aims to capture images at a remarkable resolution of 0.7 metres Ground Sampling Distance (GSD) in the Visual and Near Infrared Spectrum (NIR), 8 metres in the Short-Wave Infrared Spectrum (SWIR), and a panchromatic channel that will allow pan sharpening of up to 0.5 metres GSD.

Dr Gopika Suresh emphasises, “we’re looking at providing daily images. There are a lot of companies that currently use EO technology who would also use our VHR data for validating their existing EO products. However, we can also target extended users who need daily monitoring for applications like early warnings for cases of draught, harmful algae bloom or for vegetation degradation from infestation or to trace food value chains and monitoring changing forests and land cover. Current technology is unable to provide that – our aim is to change this.”

Marble Imaging at Space Tech Expo 2023 with an earlier version of their imager that will be part of their first satellite and is currently under co-development with Scanway Space, credit: Marble Imaging

ESA BIC: A Launchpad for Success
Becoming part of the ESA BIC Northern Germany is a significant milestone for Marble Imaging, marking the transition from concept to reality. For the young startup, the ESA BIC Northern Germany not only eliminates practical hurdles, such as securing an office space, but it also offers an ecosystem of mentorship, industry connections and collaboration opportunities.

The team agrees, “the incubation programme is really good at organising outreach events. For example, this March there was an EO data and service event here in Bremen, where many industry partners attended and we had the chance to present our technology to them and show them what value it will bring. This was really helpful, because on your own we wouldn’t have this extended network.”

A Stellar Recognition
An early success for Marble Imaging was the resounding victory in the competition “Kleinsatelliten Nutzlastwettbewerb” organised by the DLR. This prestigious competition, translating to “Small Satellite Payload Competition” aimed to identify and acknowledge innovative endeavours in the realm of small satellite payloads. Marble Imaging’s visionary Earth observation approach and commitment to advancing small satellite capabilities set them apart in a competitive field, earning recognition from industry experts.

The success in this competition is not only symbolic; it comes with tangible benefits that will propel the startup closer to realising their innovative goals. As part of their win, Marble Imaging gains the opportunity to utilise a satellite platform, a critical component in the deployment of their Earth observation constellation, as well as mission management and their launch vehicle provided.

About ESA BIC Northern Germany

The Incubation Centre of the European Space Agency in Northern Germany (ESA BIC Northern Germany) is headquartered jointly with the Bremen aeronautics and space industries association at the Bremer Innovations- und Technologiezentrum BITZ as well as the Digihub Industry – two of the largest innovation and technology centres for high-tech companies and startups in the German federal state of Bremen. The ESA BIC Northern Germany brings new startup opportunities to the region and thus strengthens the aeronautics and space sector in the German federal state of Bremen. AVIASPACE BREMEN e.V. supports the incubatees with its network, public relations work and targeted coaching not only during the incubation period, but also afterwards as alumni. STARTHAUS Bremen & Bremerhaven s the central point of contact in the Bremen startup ecosystem and supports the startups on all issues relating to business development and financing. The ESA BIC Northern Germany is managed by Anwendungszentrum GmbH Oberpfaffenhofen (AZO), an international networking and branding company for the European space programmes that also manages ESA BIC Bavaria with three locations in southern Germany.

Since 2021, ESA BIC Northern Germany has also been offering its service to space-related startups in Schleswig-Holstein. The Technikzentrum Lübeck with GATEWAY49, AviaSpace Bremen and AZO jointly operate this extension of ESA BIC Northern Germany. There are also plans to extend ESA BIC Northern Germany to the northern German federal states of Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin-Brandenburg.

Technical support of the ESA BIC Northern Germany, is offered by Fraunhofer IFAM, German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence DFKI, Alfred-Wegener Institute for Polar Research AWI, Bremen University, Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity ZARM, Airbus Group, ArianeGroup, AES Aircraft Elektro/Elektronik System, DSI Aerospace, and OHB.