[SatNews] Emirates Space Imaging (ESI) has announced the execution of a multi-year agreement with Skybox Imaging (Skybox) to deliver timely, sub-meter resolution satellite imagery and high-resolution, high-definition (HD) video to Middle East, Europe and North Africa (MEENA).

Space Imaging Middle East (SIME) and European Space Imaging (EUSI) have been assigned to implement operations within their respective regions. Under this agreement, ESI has purchased two compact ground stations, named SkyNodes, that each consists of a 2.4 meter antenna and two racks of supporting equipment. The small-footprint system and complete software suite of easy-to-use applications will enable SIME and EUSI to schedule, task, image, downlink, and process imagery and video products captured from the Skybox constellation. The two ground stations will be located near Abu Dhabi and Munich.SkySat-1, Skybox’s first satellite of the planned 24-satellite constellation, was successfully launched on November 21, 2013, and is currently undergoing calibration. SkySat-1 captures sub-meter resolution color imagery, as well as high-resolution, full motion video. SkySat-2 and SkySat-3 are planned for launch in mid-2014 and early 2015, with the first block launch of 6 additional satellites planned for late 2015.

SkySat-1, Skybox’s first satellite of the planned 24-satellite constellation, was successfully launched on November 21, 2013, and is currently undergoing calibration. SkySat-1 captures sub-meter resolution color imagery, as well as high-resolution, full motion video. SkySat-2 and SkySat-3 are planned for launch in mid-2014 and early 2015, with the first block launch of 6 additional satellites planned for late 2015.