Simera Sense and engineering firm IDOM announced a strategic partnership on September 17, 2026, to develop and produce the optical system for the next-generation MultiScape350 very high-resolution Earth observation imager, according to joint announcements released by both companies. The collaboration arrives as commercial, civil, and government demand for high-resolution satellite imagery surges globally.
Dividing Responsibilities for the MultiScape350 Payload
Under the terms of the agreement, Bilbao-headquartered IDOM will lead the development and production of the Optical Front End for the MultiScape350 payload. Leuven-based Simera Sense will provide the sensor subsystem, electronics, thermal management, calibration approach, satellite interface, integration architecture, and overall payload productization.
The partnership brings together Simera Sense’s spaceborne imaging payload heritage with IDOM’s proficiency in advanced optical design, opto-mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and space qualification. “Our teams have developed a strong working relationship built on shared engineering excellence,” said Johann du Toit, Chief Executive Officer of Simera Sense, pointing to the combination of imaging payload heritage and optical capabilities.
Market Demand and Surging Small Satellite Projections
The MultiScape350 program addresses rapid market expansion for higher-resolution Earth observation data. According to data from Novaspace cited in the announcement, more than 6,500 Earth observation satellites are expected to launch by 2035 as governments scale up sovereign intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
The imager is engineered to provide very high-resolution capabilities while adhering strictly to the size, weight, and power constraints of modern small satellite platforms. Gaizka Murga, Head of Astronomy and Space at IDOM, called the venture a strong European collaboration that combines complementary capabilities to deliver a high-performance instrument.
Did You Know? Simera Sense imaging technology is already utilized by more than sixty satellite OEMs and research organizations worldwide across RGB, video, multispectral, and hyperspectral applications, according to company background data.
Expanding Industrial Footprint Across Europe
The collaboration reinforces Simera Sense’s industrial capabilities and European supply-chain footprint. Founded in 2018 in Belgium with additional offices in South Africa, France, and the United Kingdom, Simera Sense serves more than 50 clients globally. Meanwhile, IDOM operates as an independent professional services multinational delivering built-to-spec optical and mechatronic solutions for science and technology applications through its Astronomy and Space division.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MultiScape350?
It is a next-generation Very High-Resolution Earth observation imager developed by Simera Sense for small satellites.
What role does IDOM play in the partnership?
IDOM leads the development and production of the Optical Front End for the MultiScape350 payload.
Which companies are involved in the agreement?
The partnership joins Simera Sense, a European provider of optical payload solutions headquartered in Belgium, with IDOM, an international engineering firm based in Spain.
How many Earth observation satellites are projected to launch by 2035?
According to Novaspace data cited by Simera Sense, more than 6,500 Earth observation satellites are expected to launch by 2035.
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