Aistech Space successfully completed the launch of Hydra 3, its second commercial satellite, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket operated by SpaceX from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The satellite has been placed into a sun-synchronous orbit, a key technical trajectory that allows the Earth to be observed under the same sunlight conditions at all times, ensuring that the thermal data captured is accurate, comparable, and actionable for decision-making.
This new satellite joins Hydra 2, launched earlier this year, and forms part of the Hydra constellation, the thermal Earth observation infrastructure that Aistech Space is deploying. Its addition increases revisit frequency and improves data access times, strengthening the company’s ability to deliver thermal intelligence in demanding operational environments.
Like its predecessors, Hydra 3 integrates the Multispectral Thermal Telescope developed entirely by Aistech Space. This technology enables the detection of temperature variations on the Earth’s surface with unprecedented precision, unlocking access to a new dimension of data: the footprint of human activity from space.
This represents a strategic tool for monitoring critical infrastructure and industrial efficiency. Its analytical capabilities are also vital for environmental management, enabling the early detection of forest fires, while providing differentiated value in security and defence by supporting comprehensive situational analysis in areas of strategic interest.
“This second launch so far this year reflects our execution capabilities and the maturity of our technology,” said Carles Franquesa, co-founder and CEO of Aistech Space. “We are not deploying satellites in isolation; we are building a comprehensive infrastructure to capture thermal intelligence at a global scale and transform how industries and governments understand activity on our planet.”
ALEX Platform and Strategic Partnerships
To ensure the efficient exploitation of this data, Aistech Space operates ALEX, its cloud-based Earth observation platform. Thanks to its flexible architecture, ALEX enables users to access, process, and manage the catalogue of high-resolution thermal data efficiently, and even request specific captures in real time, which are critical for emergency response and environmental monitoring.
In addition, Aistech Space continues to build an ecosystem of key partners for the development and operation of its technology, collaborating with some of Europe’s leading companies in the space and defence sectors. Among them is its partnership with Kreios Space, specialised in satellite platforms for Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), as well as the support and trust of CDTI and the Spanish Space Agency.
Exponential Growth and Strategic Plan
This launch is the second of six planned for 2026, a key year to validate the scalability of the company’s business model. Aistech Space’s strategic plan includes the deployment of a total of 48 satellites by 2030, ensuring continuous access to global thermal intelligence.
The operation coincides with a period of strong financial momentum, as the company advances its €45 million Series B investment round. These funds are intended to complete the expansion of the constellation and to develop new Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based analytical capabilities to process the growing volume of data captured by the Hydra network.
About Aistech Space
Founded in 2015, Aistech Space is a leading space technology company focused on the development, manufacturing, and operation of Earth observation systems aimed at improving sustainability, security, and quality of life on the planet. Through its technology, the company helps protect the world’s most valuable resources by detecting and monitoring thermal changes on the Earth’s surface, generating and delivering high-resolution, high-frequency thermal imagery on demand. Aistech Space’s work is key to policies and actions aimed at decarbonisation, climate change mitigation strategies, water management for food security, deforestation control through wildfire risk assessment, and the monitoring and surveillance of critical assets and sensitive areas of strategic and geopolitical interest.
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