Array Labs - 3D imaging from space

Custom-build satellites that create a real-time 3D map of the world

I discover a new startup every week and share it with you. This week’s featured startup is Array Labs. Subscribe to get each and every issue.

---

What it does: Array Labs uses clusters of small radar satellites, all working together, to collect many images of a single location from multiple angles. These clusters can collect enough sharp, clear perspectives with a single pass to create high-resolution 3D imagery. This approach is efficient, cost-effective, and able to cover large areas in short periods of time. This technology can be used to create 3D images of any type of terrain, even bustling metropolises, under any weather conditions. The people at Array Labs believe this technology will revolutionize how surveys of the earth are done from space and change how we view our world.

How it started: Array Labs was founded by Andrew Peterson in 2019. In 2021 he brought on Jose Isaac Robledo to round out the team and improve the business model. Andrew brings to the table a love of space and exploration and a deep understanding of Aerospace Engineering. Jose has a sharp business sense, and a history of helping struggling or startup companies create business models that have gotten them financially strong and on the path to future success. Together, Andrew and Jose are the dynamic duo that will fuel Array Lab's success in the early years and future. 

How it works: The engineers and scientists at Array Labs have created a system of small satellites, known as CubeSats, that can take enough images in a single pass to create accurate 3D images of the surveyed area. This is much more efficient than the previous method of making multiple passes and waiting for the images to be collated and synched. This technology allows them to cover thousands of miles in a single pass. They can deliver accurate 3D images of any place on earth within hours. These accurate real-time images are an invaluable resource for many industries and governments worldwide. 

Traction: Array Labs is currently collaborating with a select group of customers through their pilot program. This experimental program allows the customers to give valuable input into the program's functionality. The users are also asked to compare the 3D results from Array Labs to those offered by the alternatives. 

Why it’s interesting: In addition to having ample real-world applications applicable to the military, insurance companies, oil and gas industry surveyors, and climate studies, Array Labs believes that creating an accurate 3D map of the world will provide benefits to all populations of the world. 

The potential educational opportunities alone are exciting. Imagine teaching a classroom of kids about the environment of an area and being able to pull up an accurate and scaled 3D model of the site. Imagine a geophysicist being able to visualize the changes he sees happening on his meters and gauges. These images can give an accurate and large-scale reading on ocean levels and glacier melt, providing untold benefits as the world tries to understand the effects of climate change. 

Array Labs is not looking to change the world, just our ability to see it clearly and accurately in real-time.