Nanosatellite launch company Vector is set to collaborate with real-time satellite imagery data provider Astro Digital to conduct a dedicated launch next year featuring one of the latter’s satellites for remote sensing applications.

By engaging Vector, Astro Digital plans to launch at least 12 such satellites as part of a larger constellation.

Later on, Astro Digital has an option to continue operations at a pace of two to four dedicated satellite launches a year.

“We’re looking forward to catering to their unique needs in a way that no other launch provider can.”

Next year, Astro Digital’s Landmapper-HD satellite will catch a dedicated ride on Vector’s Vector-R launch vehicle.

Vector CEO and co-founder Jim Cantrell said: “Vector has taken several critical steps over the last ten months to prove we are the leading nanosatellite launch company, including two successful test launches, as well as other tests to demonstrate our technology to the market.

“Astro Digital was looking for a partner who could provide dedicated launch services to ensure their payload enters orbit successfully, and we’re looking forward to catering to their unique needs in a way that no other launch provider can.”

Astro Digital will have Landmapper satellites in orbit by the end of this month and an operational constellation of 30 multi-spectral imaging satellites by the end of 2019.

They will be used to monitor Earth several times a day.

Astro Digital’s satellites have images in both high and moderate definition and will allow for quick analysis and intelligence gathering.

Astro Digital CEO and co-founder Chris Biddy said: “Having the opportunity to put a payload on Vector’s recent sub-orbital launch and being able to test our hardware under real-life conditions really solidified our decision to join forces.”