Global success for DRAGO optical technology
ASENSE’s optical instrumentation continues to deliver key results in Earth observation
At ASENSE, we celebrate the robustness of our technology within the aerospace sector. The DRAGO mission (Demonstrator for Remote Analysis of Ground Observations), developed by the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC) through its IACTEC technical team, maintains full operational status. These results confirm the reliability of the IACTEC mission and the high performance of our optical engineering in real orbital conditions.
Currently, the steady flow of images processed by the IACTEC team confirms the capability of DRAGO sensors working in tandem with the ASENSE SWIR lens. This technological combination in the Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) spectrum provides high-value data for environmental monitoring, allowing for in-depth analysis of complex phenomena on the Earth’s surface.
A prominent example of ASENSE optics performance in support of the IACTEC DRAGO system is found in recent captures from Angola. In this scenario, the sensor successfully pierced through forest fire smoke layers to clearly identify active flame fronts. This thermal discrimination enables a clear distinction between active flames, burned areas, and intact vegetation—providing essential information that visible light sensors cannot detect.
Image and processing credits: IACTEC / Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias (IAC).
The case of Angola is just one of many examples demonstrating the efficacy of our technology across the globe. The versatility of the ASENSE optical lens, integrated into the DRAGO system, extends to other international scenarios: from monitoring Mount Etna in Sicily, mapping heat beneath eruptive gases, to analyzing the infrared spectral response of crop fields in Saskatchewan, Canada.
These operational results ratify ASENSE optical systems as a benchmark in the New Space market. The continuity of DRAGO reinforces our commitment to technical excellence and drives us to continue developing optical solutions that expand current planetary observation capabilities, working alongside centers of excellence such as the IAC.
At ASENSE, we would like to express our gratitude to the IAC for the trust placed in our technology and for sharing the images captured by their system in orbit with us.
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