A Game-Changing Solution for the Energy Industry
Historically, oil and gas companies have relied on inefficient and expensive methods to monitor pipeline leaks. Workers equipped with handheld optical gas imaging cameras are often used, but these methods are not only costly but also limited in their effectiveness. In a recent interview with TechCrunch, Orbital Sidekick CEO Dan Katz described the current state of pipeline monitoring as "a young pilot sticking their head out the window of a crop-duster." This is where Orbital Sidekick comes in – a startup that has developed a data analytics product using a constellation of satellites equipped with hyperspectral sensors.
The Problem with Traditional Pipeline Monitoring Methods
Traditional methods for monitoring pipelines are often inadequate and expensive. Handheld optical gas imaging cameras, for example, can detect leaks but are limited by their range and accuracy. Katz stated, "There’s really no persistent, objective, high-accuracy monitoring service that’s available to operators today." This is where Orbital Sidekick’s solution comes in – a hyperspectral imaging product that generates intelligence using a constellation of satellites equipped with hyperspectral sensors.
The Power of Hyperspectral Imaging
Hyperspectral imaging allows companies "see" the chemical fingerprint of different substances, like gas, by collecting and measuring hundreds of wavelength bands. This technology has numerous applications, including pipeline monitoring. Orbital Sidekick’s product can identify leaks even if the pipeline is buried underground – a feat that traditional methods cannot achieve.
Orbital Sidekick’s Unique Solution
Orbital Sidekick’s hyperspectral imaging solution stands out from competitors due to its high resolution and in-house analytics platform, SIGMA (Spectral Intelligence Global Monitoring Application). Katz stated, "We provide higher resolution, at eight meters per pixel, by collecting more than 500 spectral channels." The company’s unique differentiator is its ability to generate intelligence using a constellation of satellites equipped with hyperspectral sensors.
Funding and Growth
Orbital Sidekick recently announced the close of a $10 million investment led by Energy Innovation Capital, with additional funding from other investors. This significant investment will enable the company to expand its operations and further develop its hyperspectral imaging solution. The company plans to launch 14 satellites in total, providing a hyperspectral "atlas of the world."
The Future of Pipeline Monitoring
Orbital Sidekick’s solution has the potential to revolutionize pipeline monitoring. By using hyperspectral imaging technology, companies can detect leaks more accurately and efficiently than ever before. This will not only save costs but also improve safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by undetected leaks.
The Company Behind the Solution
Orbital Sidekick is a startup founded by CEO Dan Katz and his team. The company has developed a unique solution using hyperspectral imaging technology to monitor pipelines more accurately and efficiently than traditional methods. With its recent funding and plans for expansion, Orbital Sidekick is poised to make a significant impact on the energy industry.
Conclusion
Orbital Sidekick’s hyperspectral imaging solution has the potential to revolutionize pipeline monitoring. By providing high-resolution images and in-house analytics, the company offers a game-changing solution for the energy industry. With its recent funding and plans for expansion, Orbital Sidekick is poised to make a significant impact on the industry.
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