The Next Big Thing
When the internet began gaining traction in the mid-1990s , few could fathom its potential . Today , two Corridor innovators are in the midst of the same situation as they plow into new territory .
“ We think of Satlantis as a good example of a new space industry ,” said Juan Tomás Hernani , Satlantis CEO . “ This industry is emerging with a lot of strength from innovation in space and opportunities that arise from cost efficiency and implantation of the technology that is readily available in other segment areas .”
Satlantis was founded in 2013 by Rafael Guzmán , University of Florida ( UF ) professor and former astronomy department chair . UF and the company partnered on a Florida High Tech Corridor Matching Grants Research Program project for further research on its iSIM ( Integrated Standard Imager for Microsatellites ) camera to be used in space .
The powerful camera is roughly the size of two shoe boxes , has simple optics lending itself to be light , yet robust , and includes 2-D sensors for high-resolution images . Its size and cost is competitive in the market when compared to giant satellite-size alternatives currently photographing our universe . However , Satlantis looks to photograph Earth , not its near and distant neighbors .
“ The holy grail of the new space industry is to provide realtime observations from space for surveillance processes as they happen ,” said Guzmán . “ This is not possible now .”
Currently , numerous strategically placed , large satellites would be necessary to obtain an image of one position on the Earth every 30 minutes . This has not been done due to cost and inefficient technology . iSIM can change that and the possibilities for use are endless , including surveillance of critical oil and gas facilities and off-shore windmill farms , monitoring environmental disasters , security for global companies , data on high-speed trains and more .
been hired and “ enrolled in Satlantis School ” as the duo jokingly notes there are no experts in the field because they are advancing the industry as they create the technology .
Guzmán has been able to take the next steps in development of the technology in large part because of Corridor funding to assist in research . Hernani agrees funds have helped the company move forward .
“ We are so grateful for this opportunity that is putting a lot of resources into collaboration with the department at the University of Florida ,” said Hernani . “ We haven ’ t yet started to face the main challenges and opportunities [ of our work ], but this story is just starting and our dream is really big .”
At least one UF student participated in the project and was hired upon graduation . Four other engineers and scientists have also
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