Sidus Space, an innovative space and defense technology company, and HEO USA, a leading provider of non-Earth imaging (NEI) and analytics, announced the successful receipt of a series of on-orbit images from HEO USA's NEI camera aboard Sidus Space's LizzieSat-3 (LS-3).
The on-orbit imagery, taken over Victoria, Australia, was captured using HEO USA's Holmes Mk1, which is designed to collect space-based imagery of resident space objects, supporting applications across space domain awareness, satellite operations, and national security.
"This milestone demonstrates our ability to increase U.S.-based system capacity while delivering innovative space domain awareness capabilities to the market" said Nate Notargiacomo, Head of HEO USA. "The congested and contested nature of today's space environment demands high-quality, responsive solutions. Operating under U.S. license, we're expanding our on-orbit sensor network to provide exceptional value for our government and commercial customers."
Sidus Space's LizzieSat-3 platform has provided stable and reliable hosting for the HEO USA payload. Earlier bus-level commissioning validated essential spacecraft subsystems, including avionics, power, communications, and on-orbit guidance, navigation, and control performance, alongside FeatherEdge and AIS sensing capabilities. These combined achievements confirm LS-3's readiness to deliver integrated, multi-sensor intelligence from orbit.
"Successfully acquiring imagery from the HEO payload is a strong validation of LizzieSat-3's integrated sensor performance providing sub-5-meter resolution and our ability to support sophisticated, mission-critical technologies in orbit," said Patrick Butler, EVP, Engineering and Programs at Sidus Space. "This milestone confirms the stability of the spacecraft following bus-level commissioning and demonstrates the value LizzieSat-3 brings to our partners as we begin delivering on our subscription data service contract with HEO and advance toward full operational capability."
LizzieSat-3 builds upon Sidus Space's flight-proven LizzieSat platform and incorporates advanced manufacturing and system design techniques, including hybrid 3D-printed structural components, AI-enhanced onboard processing, and modular payload integration. The spacecraft is designed to support a wide range of Earth observation and data-driven missions, offering scalable and responsive solutions for commercial, government, and defense customers.
As commissioning continues, HEO USA will proceed with sensor calibration and image optimization while Sidus will proceed with software updates ahead of full multi-mission activation. Data obtained during this phase will be used to further refine on-orbit performance and support customer mission objectives. In 2024, HEO USA became the first company to receive NOAA approval to fly its Holmes cameras as hosted payloads on U.S.-flagged spacecraft.
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