SPEO – Space Payload for Earth Observation
SPEO is an integrated multispectral space camera at the heart of Bertin’s new space offering for Earth observation satellites.
SPEO is Bertin’s VNIR (visible and near infrared) & SWIR (short wave infrared) optical payload for Earth observation missions, specially designed to meet the requirements of the emerging new space market.
Supplied as a cost-effective off-the-shelf component, SPEO brings together two key elements:
- a wide aperture 250 mm telescope, allowing for bright and crisp high-contrast images,
- Bertin’s EarthCam CMOS component for image capture (note that EarthCam is also provided as a standalone component, for integrators designing bespoke Earth observation payloads).
What for?
SPEO’s compact and lightweight design is particularly relevant for small satellites constellations, opening up new possibilities for Earth observation with an ultra-high revisit rate allowing for almost realtime monitoring.
Use cases include:
- monitoring disaster developments and recovery (fires, floods, etc),
- surveillance of shipping routes,
- tracking movements on the battlefield,
- detecting and measuring CO2, CH4 and other harmful substances released into the environment.
In addition, many novel applications are emerging with the development of new space, in areas such as agriculture, water management, urban planning, coastal surveillance, etc.
Key-benefits
Low SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) design
With its low SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) design, SPEO is particularly relevant for integration in small satellites.
Wide aperture telescope
SPEO’s wide aperture telescope offers an optimal signal to noise ratio and spatial resolution for improved image analysis.
12-band multispectral VNIR and SWIR imaging
SPEO offers 12-band multispectral VNIR and SWIR imaging for accurate measuring of Earth phenomenons.
Hyperspectral imaging
SPEO provides hyperspectral imaging with a 1 to 10 nm adjustment step.
8 km swath size
SPEO’s 8 km swath size allow for ultra-low ground sampling distance and accurate images.
Designed from -50°c to +50°C
SPEO is designed for optimal performance from -50°c to +50°C.
European sovereign technologies
SPEO is based exclusively on European sovereign technologies.
When?
SPEO should be commercially available as of mid-2026. Lead time for delivery: 12 months.
What next?
SPEO’s technology roadmap includes integrating MIR (Mid-Infrared) and LWIR (Long-Wave Infrared) imaging, hyperspectral as well as AI for object recognition and spatial resolution.
