Near Space Labs Raises $13M to Expand Stratospheric Earth Imaging

A New Era in Geospatial Intelligence

A decline in launch costs, coupled with numerous technological advancements, is fueling a resurgence in geospatial intelligence. Several startups are now striving to obtain higher-resolution and more frequent Earth imagery than previously attainable.

Stratospheric Data Collection with Near Space Labs

While the majority of these emerging companies concentrate on satellite-based data acquisition, Near Space Labs is taking a different approach. Founded in 2017, this four-year-old organization focuses on gathering geospatial intelligence from the stratosphere.

Their innovative method utilizes small, autonomous robots powered by wind, attached to weather balloons. This platform, named “Swifty,” can ascend to altitudes ranging from 60,000 to 85,000 feet, capturing imagery across 400 to 1,000 square kilometers per flight.

The Founding and Vision

Near Space Labs was established by Rema Matevosyan, Ignasi Lluch, and Albert Caubet. Matevosyan, possessing a background in applied mathematics and prior programming experience, completed her master’s degree in Moscow.

Her research there centered on systems engineering for aerospace applications, and included practical testing of aerospace hardware via weather balloon flights. She explained to TechCrunch that it became clear that commercial balloon flights could offer a superior customer experience compared to existing alternatives.

Recent Funding and Expansion

The company has recently secured $13 million in Series A funding, spearheaded by Crosslink Capital. Toyota Ventures and existing investors Leadout Capital and Wireframe Ventures also participated in this round.

Furthermore, Crosslink partner Phil Boyer has been appointed to the company’s board of directors.

Global Operations and Manufacturing

Headquartered across Brooklyn, New York, and Barcelona, Spain, Near Space Labs primarily targets rapidly changing urban environments. The robotic devices are constructed in the company’s Brooklyn workshop before being dispatched to various launch locations nationwide.

The company’s Chief Technology Officer and chief engineer are based in Barcelona, where all hardware research and development is conducted, as Matevosyan clarified.

Current Operations and Data Access

Currently, eight Swifty units are operational. The company generates revenue by selling the collected data, offering access through a subscription-based API.

Unlike satellite launches, Swifties can be deployed from “anywhere at any time,” according to Matevosyan, though operations are coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration and air traffic control.

Swifty’s Advantages Over Satellites

According to Matevosyan, the primary benefit of Swifty over satellite imagery lies in its superior resolution. The platform can achieve resolutions “50 times better than what you would get from a satellite” from its stratospheric vantage point.

This allows for persistent, near real-time monitoring of areas undergoing rapid transformation, particularly large metropolitan areas. Additionally, Near Space Labs can rapidly iterate on its technology using Swifty’s “plug-and-play” design, a capability not easily replicated with existing satellite constellations.

Future Plans and Democratization of Access

Near Space Labs has already scheduled over 540 flights through 2022. Data from each flight is non-exclusive, allowing for multiple sales. The newly acquired funds will be used to broaden the company’s geographical reach and expand its team.

Matevosyan stated the company’s objective is to democratize access to geospatial intelligence, not only for end-users but also for developers. “We believe in diverse, equal and inclusive opportunities in aerospace and Earth imaging,” she concluded.