SatLeo Launches TAPAS-1 Thermal-Imaging Satellite on October 1, 2026

On October 1, 2026, SatLeo Labs, a spacetech startup from Ahmedabad, successfully launched TAPAS-1, India's first dedicated commercial CubeSat thermal-imaging payload. The 3-kilogram payload was carried to a sun-synchronous orbit approximately 500 km above Earth aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, as part of the Transporter-18 mission using Dhruva Space’s LEAP-2 platform.

About TAPAS-1 Thermal-Imaging Payload

TAPAS-1 operates using a long-wave infrared sensor to map surface temperatures from space, a capability not possible with conventional optical imaging. This technology enables detailed thermal data collection, which can be crucial for multiple applications across various sectors.

Key Applications

• Climate monitoring, tracking temperature variations over time
• Agricultural assessment including water stress and crop health
• Urban heat mapping to identify heat islands
• Industrial monitoring for thermal anomalies
• Disaster monitoring and forest-fire detection

SatLeo Labs and Future Plans

Founded in 2023 by Shravan Singh Bhati, Dr. Ranendu Ghosh, and Urmil Bakhai, SatLeo Labs aims to expand its satellite constellation with eight more thermal-imaging satellites by 2029, assembling a fleet of 10 to 15 satellites to enhance observation capabilities. Their next payload, TAPAS-2, is already under production for a projected mid-2027 launch.

Exam-Relevant Context

• CubeSats: Standard small satellite format that reduces cost and development time for space missions.
• Sun-synchronous orbit: Near-polar orbit enabling consistent lighting conditions for Earth observation satellites.
• SpaceX Falcon 9: A reusable rocket widely used for commercial satellite launches.
• Vandenberg Space Force Base: A major U.S. Pacific coast launch site.

This successful launch positions India’s private space sector to contribute significantly to Earth observation using advanced thermal imaging technology.