infrastructureScore 35/100Research
HEO using Earth observation satellite downtime (over oceans and polar regions) as primary operational model, creating revenue opportunity for Earth observation operators with unused capacity
Tom Mueller· Impulse Space· Space· 2025-12-10· about HEO
“We realized that there was a lot of unused time on Earth observation satellites and there are multiple operators kind of engaged in Earth observation. So what we did was we approached them, pitched this idea of us renting out time on their satellite when they are either over ocean or polar regions... This is an additional revenue opportunity for them.”
Why it matters
HEO's partnership model leverages existing Earth observation satellite infrastructure rather than building proprietary constellation, creating an alternative revenue stream for EO operators and reducing capex barriers to entry.
Investment implication
Earth observation satellite operators (e.g., Planet Labs, Maxar, Airbus DS) with significant downtime capacity can monetize idle assets. This model also favors small satellite bus manufacturers and rideshare providers offering flexible payload hosting.