LEUVEN, BELGIUM and BILBAO, SPAIN — In a significant development for Europe’s aerospace and satellite imaging sector, optical payload specialist Simera Sense and engineering multinational IDOM have announced a strategic partnership. The collaboration is aimed at the development and production of the advanced optical system for Simera Sense’s upcoming MultiScape350 Very High-Resolution Earth Observation imager.
The alliance brings together two recognized leaders in the European space technology landscape. Simera Sense contributes its extensive experience in spaceborne imaging payloads, advanced sensor electronics, radiometric calibration, and mission optimization. Meanwhile, IDOM brings its globally respected proficiency in complex optical design, precision opto-mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and the rigorous qualification of high-performance optical space systems.
Under the terms of the formal agreement, IDOM will spearhead the development and production of the Optical Front End (OFE) for the MultiScape350 payload. Simera Sense will retain responsibility for the sensor subsystem, supporting electronics, thermal management frameworks, calibration architecture, satellite interface mechanisms, integration protocols, and overall payload productization. By leveraging these complementary skill sets, both organizations intend to deliver a world-class Earth observation imaging instrument tailored to the rigorous demands of global satellite manufacturers and operators.
Meeting Surging Global Demand for High-Resolution Earth Observation
The MultiScape350 program arrives at a crucial juncture for the global space industry, directly addressing a sharp surge in demand for higher-resolution Earth observation imagery from commercial, civil, and governmental customers worldwide. According to independent market analysis by Novaspace, more than 6,500 Earth observation satellites are projected to launch by 2035. This wave of deployment is largely driven by governments expanding their sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, alongside commercial enterprises seeking precise geospatial data for agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster response.
Modern satellite platforms operate under strict physical boundaries, requiring high performance without exceeding tight limits on mass, volume, and electrical power consumption. The MultiScape350 system is specifically engineered to bridge this gap, offering very high-resolution imaging capabilities while maintaining strict compatibility with the size, weight, and power constraints typical of modern small satellite platforms.
Leadership from both companies expressed strong enthusiasm for the collaborative venture and the shared vision driving the program forward.
Johann du Toit, Chief Executive Officer of Simera Sense, highlighted the strong foundation of trust and technical alignment established between the two engineering teams.
"We are delighted to partner with IDOM on the MultiScape350 optical system," said du Toit. "Over the past few months, our teams have developed a strong working relationship built on shared engineering excellence, openness, and a commitment to delivering exceptional space hardware. By combining Simera Sense’s proven imaging payload heritage with IDOM’s outstanding optical and opto-mechanical capabilities, we believe we can accelerate the development of a highly competitive Earth observation solution for the global market."
Gaizka Murga, Head of Astronomy and Space at IDOM, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the strategic value of the cross-border European alliance.
"We are excited to work alongside Simera Sense on the MultiScape350 programme," said Murga. "This partnership combines complementary capabilities and creates a strong European collaboration in advanced space technology. Our team looks forward to contributing our experience in precision optical systems to help deliver a highly capable Earth observation instrument."
Expanding Portfolios and Strengthening European Supply Chains
The announcement underscores a major expansion of Simera Sense’s product portfolio. With more than sixty satellite original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and prominent research organizations already utilizing Simera Sense imaging technology across the globe, the MultiScape350 platform represents a natural evolution for the company. It significantly enhances Simera Sense’s ability to support increasingly complex and demanding Earth observation missions for an expanding international client base.
Beyond commercial product expansion, the partnership with IDOM reinforces Simera Sense’s industrial capabilities and deepens its European supply-chain footprint. By anchoring critical development and manufacturing processes within Europe, the collaboration builds a resilient foundation for future joint optical programs and strengthens the continent’s competitive standing in the global space economy.
Simera Sense, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Belgium with operational offices in South Africa, France, and the United Kingdom, serves more than 50 clients worldwide. The company specializes in end-to-end solutions for small satellite imagers, spanning RGB, video, multispectral, and hyperspectral applications.
IDOM operates as an independent professional services multinational, delivering high-performance, built-to-spec optical and mechatronic solutions for advanced science and technology applications. Through its specialized Astronomy and Space division, IDOM has cultivated an extensive track record in the design, manufacture, and space-qualification of advanced optical and opto-mechanical systems for demanding space missions and scientific endeavors.
