Continuum-1
An HEO satellite, not built for close approaches, that the company has used to fly near a rocket body and photograph it for days at a time.
Why it matters
Showing that an ordinary imaging satellite can do sustained close inspection points to a cheaper way to watch objects of interest, without purpose-built inspector spacecraft.
How the technology works
In August and September 2026 HEO steered Continuum-1 to within 27 km of a noncooperative CZ-2C rocket body, spending about 78 hours within 100 km. It ran over 50 imaging sessions and produced sizing, tumble-rate and exterior views at up to 7 cm per pixel.
Satellogic supported operations; UNSW Canberra Space helped with planning and ground tracking.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction