Alberta Land Reclamation Combines Space and Land Data

Edmonton-based Earth observation company Wyvern will be working with NorthWind Land Resources on environmental assessment and land reclamation work in Alberta. In late November Wyvern announced it had entered into a partnership with NorthWind Land Resources that will last for at least a year. Wyvern and their constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) Dragonette CubeSats (Dragonette-001 through -003, with Dragonette-004 launching next year) are focused on providing hyperspectral imaging capabilities for Earth observation clients. Hyperspectral cameras differ from regular cameras by capturing data for each pixel using a large number of narrow bands, instead of recording a single visible (or near-visible) colour. This process generates an immense amount of data on the imaged area, which can be then processed and analyzed to determine everything from crop health, to soil composition, to the presence of hard-to-see animals. NorthWind is an environmental consultancy focused on “the long-term protection of our land resources.” They provide a wide variety of environmental services for clients, particularly in the Albertan oil and gas industry, with a specialization in environmental site assessments, land remediation, and wildlife management. Their principal focus is on finding and remediating potential issues with contaminants that could affect the soil and wildlife, and have worked on “thousands of sites in the oil and gas, commercial, and industrial sectors.” Wyvern Co-Founder and CEO, Chris Robson, provided some additional details in emailed comments. Space-based monitoring of extremely remote areas According to Wyvern, the two companies will be “pioneering a transformation in space-based monitoring and environmental stewardship.” They add that they will be focused on “monitoring the health and well-being of land surrounding well sites,” which are “often located in extremely remote areas, creating accessibility challenges for workers along with potential safety implications.” The remoteness of the well sites, as well as the level of detailed observation required, meant that NorthWind relied heavily on in-person fieldwork. This was “limiting scalability” for NorthWind. Wyvern’s capabilities are intended to resolve this scalability problem. Robson said that, specifically, Wyvern will be “providing high-resolution hyperspectral satellite imagery on a provincial scale to NorthWind,” who will “use the Wyvern data in their analysis and reporting.” Using the imagery will “reduce the need for extensive field site testing,” and “grant NorthWind access to remote locations that are difficult, if not impossible, to access via traditional transportation methods.” By leveraging hyperspectral imaging, NorthWind will be able to effectively monitor multiple remotely-located sites. Wyvern said that this will be “empowering NorthWind with the scalability needed to effectively address their clients’ requirements.” Robson said in his comments that the specific focus will be on assisting with environmental impact assessments and invasive species detection. Image credit: Wyvern. “A win for Alberta” Robson added that “this is a win for Alberta.” He said that “NorthWind is using Wyvern’s novel technology to reduce labor costs, enhance worker safety, and provide scalable solutions to the Oil & Gas industry.” Wyvern’s Chief Revenue Officer, Thomas VanMatre, also stated that “Wyvern’s hyperspectral imaging constellation will provide a level of fidelity in environmental reporting that was previously not possible at scale,” and that “this partnership will expedite reclamation efforts across the entire province.” The partnership will last throughout the 2024 monitoring period “commencing this upcoming spring.” They left the door open to extension, saying that “the one-year term is only the beginning.” When asked for details on criteria for the extension, however, Wyvern would not elaborate. Looking forward, Robson said that “we’re excited for 2024.” In addition to this partnership with NorthWind, he said that early 2024 is when “we will start commercial operation,” and will launch Dragonette-004. He also said that “we are on track to hit a major milestone on patented deployable optics technology in early 2024.” This may be a reference to their planned Next Generation Shortwave Infrared satellite, but no further details were available.