Clarity1 satellite begins VLEO mission after successful deployment

Clarity1 satellite begins VLEO mission after successful deployment
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 18, 2025

Albedo has confirmed the successful deployment of its Clarity-1 satellite into orbit aboard SpaceX's Transporter-13 Rideshare mission, which launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Shortly after reaching orbit, the satellite established communication with Albedo's Mission Operations team and began executing initial commissioning protocols.

Within four hours of separating from the SpaceX rocket, Clarity-1 transmitted telemetry data and responded to command signals, marking a key operational milestone. Notably, within 14 hours of launch, the satellite's advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems were fully activated. These systems allowed Clarity-1 to shift seamlessly into multiple operational modes, including its autonomous "Protect Mode." This mode is akin to a conventional satellite's safe mode but is optimized for the demanding environment of very low Earth orbit (VLEO), where spacecraft endure intensified atmospheric drag, heightened exposure to atomic oxygen, and increased vulnerability to solar activity.

Clarity-1 is pioneering as the first commercial satellite purpose-built for sustained operations in VLEO. Positioned at roughly half the altitude of traditional Earth observation satellites, it is engineered to deliver highly detailed imagery. Specifically, Clarity-1 will provide 10 centimeter-resolution visible images and 2 meter-resolution thermal data, quality levels previously obtainable only from aircraft-based systems.

"This is a monumental milestone for Albedo, the United States, and our long-term ability to deploy exquisite capabilities for low cost into VLEO," said AyJay Lasater, Co-founder and CTO of Albedo. "Clarity-1 will serve as the proof point that VLEO is the next frontier. Our mission centric view allows us to build exquisite capabilities at a significantly reduced price as we further develop our VLEO capabilities. We are excited to continue commissioning and calibrating Clarity-1 to provide our customers with unprecedented visible and thermal imagery."

In the coming weeks, Clarity-1 will proceed with additional commissioning activities, including sensor alignment and calibration, followed by a controlled descent to its designated VLEO orbit and inclination adjustments for optimal imaging operations.