Modern defence and intelligence operations increasingly unfold in environments where traditional optical satellite imagery struggles. Smoke, dust, haze, humidity, and deliberate camouflage routinely degrade visible-spectrum data. In these conditions, imagery may still be collected, but its operational value collapses.
Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR) sensing addresses this gap. Operating beyond the visible spectrum, SWIR penetrates haze and aerosols and reveals material and moisture characteristics invisible to optical sensors. It enables differentiation between natural and artificial surfaces, detection of disturbed soil, and exposure of concealed activity, turning visual interpretation into geospatial intelligence (GEOINT).
Despite its operational value, space-based SWIR remains scarce. Existing systems suffer from limited resolution, infrequent revisit, and restricted access, forcing defence organisations to rely on costly airborne platforms. This creates a structural mismatch between ISR demand and availability.
SWIR Spectrum Image Post Processed (Right)
LatConnect60’s SWIRSAT constellation is designed to close this gap by delivering operational-grade SWIR at scale. Its architecture combines:
- ~1.5 m VNIR and ~4 m SWIR resolution
- 12-band multi-spectral coverage (VNIR + SWIR)
- Scalable revisit for persistent monitoring
- On-orbit AI processing to reduce latency
- A sovereign-aligned, trusted supply chain
SWIRSAT does not replace optical or SAR systems. It strengthens them by adding a decisive confirmation and discrimination layer where uncertainty is highest.
Operationally, SWIRSAT enables:
- Maritime Domain Awareness in haze-heavy littoral zones
- Counter-camouflage and decoy detection
- Infrastructure monitoring and change detection
- Rapid post-event and post-strike assessment through smoke and debris
- Early-Indicator SWIR Intelligence for Missile-Related Infrastructure Assessment
The SWIRSAT Mission is fully backed by the Australian Space Agency and the Government of Western Australia. The first two satellites are funded, with launches scheduled for late 2026 and Q1 2027. LatConnect60 is also a recipient of AUD 5.8 million under Australia’s International Space Investment Programme, reflecting strong institutional confidence.
Strategically, SWIRSAT is highly relevant to the Gulf. LatConnect60’s partnership with UAE-based Space42 enables SAR, SWIR, and optical fusion, reflecting a new ISR model based on federated, allied constellations rather than isolated national systems.
To support sovereign planning, LatConnect60 has introduced a SWIRSAT Pre-Order Framework, allowing defence organisations to secure:
- Reserved constellation capacity over priority AOIs
- Priority tasking during high-demand periods
- Locked-in early pricing for budget certainty
- Sovereign data delivery and controlled processing
SWIR is no longer an experimental enhancement. It is becoming a procurement-relevant capability. By operationalising high-resolution, persistent, and sovereign-aligned SWIR, SWIRSAT provides defence and security organisations with a practical pathway to overcome the limitations of optical ISR in contested and degraded environments.
Defence, security, and sovereign government organisations interested in early operational access to space-based SWIR, priority tasking, and participation in the SWIRSAT constellation rollout are invited to engage directly with LatConnect60.
Contact
Arvind Rampal
Head of Commercial Strategy (Global)
LatConnect60 AI Ltd (LC60 AI)
Email: arvind.rampal@latconnect60.com
