A satellite start-up that monitors droughts and pollution has secured backing from a British space fund, strengthening efforts to tackle the growing threat of water shortages.
Hydrosat, which has two spacecraft in orbit, uses powerful thermal infrared cameras to track water levels and can monitor the sewage flows from hundreds of miles above Earth.
The business is planning to launch a range of new satellites after raising $60m (£45m) from investors, including UK fund Space4Earth Capital.
Hydrosat’s technology can be used by water companies to monitor pollution or by farmers facing drought. Governments can also access the data for intelligence gathering.
The company is looking to expand after Britain was warned of drought conditions this year, fuelled by persistent low levels of rainfall.
The National Drought Group, which includes the Met Office and water companies, warned in October that the UK “must prepare for an ongoing drought in 2026.”
Meanwhile, the technology will also aid efforts to reduce sewage and pollution levels across Britain’s troubled water sector.
Jodi Bartin, founder of Space4Earth and chief executive of advisory firm Citicourt, said Hydrosat’s satellites could monitor leaks and pollution “in real time” for water companies or agriculture.
“They can see the change in sewage outflows, a change in the colour of the water, heat plumes coming off the water,” she said.
As well as monitoring water levels, Hydrosat uses thermal cameras that can be used for defence and intelligence, monitoring heat signatures from strategic locations overseas.
“Satellite technology has been instrumental in Ukraine,” said Ms Bartin. “From a national security and resilience perspective, it is absolutely key.”
The start-up, which is based in Washington, DC, currently has deals with the National Reconnaissance Office, the US intelligence agency, and the US Air Force.
The investment is the first major deal for Space4Earth. The fund is advised by George Freeman, a former technology minister. Other investors in Hydrosat include Hartree Partners and Subutai Capital Partners.
Hydrosat launched its first satellite in 2024 and its second aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket last June.
Pieter Fossel, chief executive and co-founder of Hydrosat, said: “This funding positions Hydrosat to meet growing global demand for intelligent water and environmental monitoring.”