KP Labs and Scanway sign Memorandum of Understanding to advance optical payload and on-board data-processing collaboration for future space missions

20 listopada 2025

BREMEN, November 20, 2025 – KP Labs Sp. z o.o. and Scanway S.A., two European companies, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding during Space Tech Expo Europe in Bremen, establishing a framework for cooperation on integrated optical payloads and on-board data-processing systems designed for future space missions.

KP Labs, founded in 2016, provides advanced hardware–software solutions for in-orbit data processing, including data-processing units (DPUs), flight software and AI-based algorithms for autonomous mission operations. Scanway, a Polish company specialising in high-resolution space telescopes and camera systems for Earth-observation and in-orbit inspection, develops space-qualified optical payloads within its SOP (Scanway Optical Payload) line, already demonstrated on orbit. Through the MoU, both companies intend to combine Scanway’s optical acquisition technology with KP Labs’ computing architectures to deliver compact payloads that acquire, process and transform image data directly in space, reducing downlink requirements and enabling greater autonomy for satellite operators.

The agreement outlines collaboration on joint payload architectures for satellite platforms, integration of Scanway’s optical payloads with KP Labs’ DPU and software stack, performance benchmarking for Earth-observation and in-orbit-inspection scenarios, as well as coordinated roadmap development and adaptation for customer-specific mission needs. The partnership also opens opportunities to develop solutions for space-exploration missions and other non-EO applications, including those supporting deep-space operations. The payload modules developed through this partnership are expected to support commercial and institutional missions seeking to increase the efficiency and intelligence of optical observation systems.

“This partnership enables us to merge state-of-the-art optical observation capability with in-orbit data-processing intelligence,” said Michał Zachara, COO at KP Labs. “By combining Scanway’s optics with our on-board processing ecosystem, we aim to deliver satellite payloads that not only acquire data but also interpret it autonomously at the source. This reduces the burden on ground systems, shortens decision-making cycles and allows operators to focus on mission objectives rather than raw data handling. As the space sector moves toward higher levels of autonomy and more distributed constellations, integrated optical-and-processing solutions become essential. Through this collaboration, we intend to provide mission designers with a compact and efficient payload architecture that increases resilience, improves operational efficiency and unlocks new possibilities for real-time, in-orbit insights”.

“As the demand grows for increasingly large imaging instruments and telescopes dedicated to highly specialized applications, we recognize the need for close cooperation with providers of data processing units (DPUs). We are building a broad and diverse portfolio of partnerships, because we need collaborators with whom we can create complementary, advanced solutions. There is hardly a better local partner than KP Labs – together we can compete effectively in European Space Agency projects as well as in other markets, wherever the combination of our telescopes and their DPU delivers the greatest value to customers. It is worth emphasizing that we are already working together on joint projects and are simultaneously discussing further initiatives, including with ESA”, commented Mikołaj Podgórski, COO Scanway S.A.

The companies are already working together within the national satellite-constellation programme CAMILA (Country Awareness Mission in Land Analysis), led by Creotech Instruments S.A. under contract with the European Space Agency (ESA). The CAMILA programme includes a set of Polish observation satellites and the related ground infrastructure. Scanway contributes optical telescopes and cameras, while KP Labs provides on-board processing, flight-software components and the EGSE testing environment, ensuring complementary capabilities for the mission’s optical segment.

More information about companies can be found on its websites: kplabs.space and scanway.space

Media contact
Julia Wiśniowska
Head of Marketing
jwisniowska@kplabs.pl
+48 530 523 011

About KP Labs: Founded in 2016, KP Labs is a Polish space technology company advancing space exploration through the development of autonomous mission operations and onboard data processing systems. The company offers end-to-end solutions, including integrated hardware platforms, proprietary software, and advanced AI algorithms for Earth observation and planetary missions. KP Labs is involved in 9 space missions and has delivered over 35 R&D projects for the European Space Agency (ESA), NASA, and commercial clients. With a team of around 80 engineers and researchers, the company holds the status of an official R&D Center granted by the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education. In November 2024, KP Labs received the President of Poland's Award in the "SME Leader" category. Learn more at: https://kplabs.space

About Scanway: Scanway S.A. is a Polish company that has been operating for 9 years. It specializes in the optical data chain, which includes acquisition, processing, analytics, and event prediction based on this data. In the Space area, the company provides both hardware solutions (optical instruments such as telescopes and cameras) and imaging analytics. In the Industry area it offers solutions (products) based on image data processing, including complete quality control systems. The Company’s competencies and experience in both areas are complementary and create synergies. Scanway aims to provide its clients with full access to key optical data in both segments.
As one of only a dozen or so entities worldwide, Scanway has developed complete optoelectronic products for Earth observation from orbit. The Company executes key contracts for space equipment in Poland and abroad, including for commercial clients. It also operates STAR VIBE, the longest-operating Polish optical observation satellite. The Company’s solutions were part of the most important European and Polish space missions of 2024. Among other achievements, Scanway placed its equipment (Scanway Camera System) on the inaugural flight of the latest European launch vehicle, Ariane 6, and delivered the largest telescope in Poland’s history (weighing approx. 10 kg, SOP200) for EagleEye – the largest satellite Poland has ever sent into space. The Company has completed more than 40 implementations in quality control for the industrial sector. As a technology partner to leading manufacturers in this field, it develops proprietary software solutions using AI as well as advanced applications for Industry 4.0. In October 2023, the Company debuted on the NewConnect market. It has fully delivered on the goals announced in its public offering and is now preparing to move to the Warsaw Stock Exchange Main Market (GPW). More information: https://scanway.pl/