PlanetIQ

PlanetiQ has developed an advanced space-based weather sensor that can see through clouds and storms to provide more accurate visual imagery for forecasting. PlanetiQ satellites carry the fourth-generation radio occultation sensor, “Pyxis.” The company claims its sensor to be smaller, lighter, and consume less power, and has nearly 3x the data collection capability than conventional models. PlanetiQ’s commercial satellite constellation focuses on weather, climate, and space weather. 

PlanetiQ’s proprietary satellite-based high-definition radio occultation (HDRO) consists of a full constellation of 20 Low Earth Orbit satellites. These instruments provide weather data to the surface of the earth, compared to traditional RO technologies that provide data above an altitude of around two kilometers. The company’s technology provides observations every 100 meters through the atmosphere and generates readings every 60 miles across the earth surface daily. 

In May 2022, the company launched its GNSS Navigation and Occultation Measurement Satellite (GNOMES) 3, on the SpaceX Falcon 9, following the launch of GNOMES 2 in June 2021.  

Key customers and partnerships

PlanetiQ works with government representatives, within National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), NASA, and US Department of Defense, to identify radio occultation data needs and weather forecasting improvements. PlanetiQ has also partnered with Blue Canyon Technologies, Millennium Engineering and Integration, and Earth Investments for development, testing, operation, and management of satellites and space systems.

Funding and financials

In June 2019, PlanetiQ raised USD 18.7 million in a Series B funding round co-led by New Science Ventures and AV8 Ventures. The funds raised were to be used to support the launch of its HDRO satellite constellation.