Scanway S.A. and KP Labs Sp. z o.o., two leading Polish space-sector companies, have begun work on the ScyLab project for the European Space Agency (ESA). Under the signed agreement, the companies will develop a solution combining a telescope operating in the short-wave infrared range (SWIR) with a Data Processing Unit (DPU).
The project is intended to support the development of proprietary technologies and strengthen the companies’ capabilities in advanced on-orbit data processing.
ScyLab will be carried out under an agreement between ESA and KP Labs, which serves as the project leader. The initiative is scheduled to run for 18 months and is expected to result in an engineering model of the system. Scanway and KP Labs will jointly test the model to verify its observational and operational parameters.
The value of the contract attributable to Scanway amounts to EUR 815,000. The launch of the project triggers an advance payment, while the full settlement is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
Scanway to develop proprietary SWIR sensor electronics
“As part of the new project, we will develop proprietary electronics for operating a sensor working in the short-wave infrared range, known as SWIR. The project, carried out jointly with KP Labs, will allow us to expand our technological capabilities, particularly in integrating our own solutions with KP Labs’ Data Processing Unit,” said Mikołaj Podgórski, COO of Scanway S.A.
“From an optomechanical perspective, the solution is based on our SOP120 architecture. However, in the camera system, we will replace a commercially available off-the-shelf component with our own technology, designed from the outset to work with the DPU. This is a key element of the project. It will enable us to take control of another area of technology and further increase the integration of our proprietary solutions,” he added.
The ScyLab project is aligned with Scanway’s strategic technological development priorities for 2026–2028, particularly Direction 4: “Development of proprietary supply-chain links.” The strategy focuses on increasing technological independence by developing in-house solutions to replace components and technologies previously sourced from external suppliers.
Commercial potential beyond the ESA project
According to Scanway, the project will expand its portfolio with a new technology that can be further commercialised and potentially used in future projects for commercial customers.
“The project will allow us to expand our portfolio with a new technology intended for further commercialisation, opening opportunities for its future use in projects carried out with commercial clients. At the same time, the continued development of the solution, including potential future stages of cooperation, will depend, among other factors, on the availability of financing from Poland’s contribution to ESA,” Podgórski said.
The agreement between Scanway and KP Labs continues cooperation launched in November 2025 under a Memorandum of Understanding covering the development of integrated optical payloads and onboard data-processing systems for future space missions.
KP Labs develops advanced hardware and software solutions for on-orbit data processing, including Data Processing Units, onboard software and artificial intelligence-based algorithms supporting autonomous operations. Scanway specialises in high-resolution optical instruments and camera systems for Earth observation and in-orbit inspection. The company is developing its Scanway Optical Payload (SOP) line, which has already been validated in orbital conditions.
Optical imaging combined with onboard computing
Through the partnership, the companies are combining Scanway’s imaging technology with KP Labs’ computing architecture to develop compact optical payloads capable of collecting and processing data directly in orbit.
Such systems are designed to reduce the volume of data transmitted to ground stations and increase satellite autonomy.
“By combining Scanway’s optical capabilities with our data-processing unit, we want to deliver solutions that not only collect data but also interpret it autonomously directly in orbit. This approach reduces the burden on the ground segment, accelerates decision-making processes and addresses growing market demand for autonomy,” said Michał Zachara, CEO of KP Labs Sp. z o.o.
“In a world where satellite constellations are becoming standard, the real-time exchange of processed data between satellites takes on an entirely new operational significance,” he added.
Podgórski said the cooperation responds to growing demand for increasingly advanced imaging instruments and closer integration with providers of data-processing systems.
“KP Labs is a natural partner for us. Together, we can develop complementary solutions and compete effectively both in ESA projects and in the commercial market,” he said.
Cooperation also covers the CAMILA satellite constellation
The two companies are also working together on the national satellite constellation programme CAMILA, or Country Awareness Mission in Land Analysis. The project is being implemented by Creotech Instruments under an ESA contract.
Within CAMILA, Scanway is responsible for telescopes and optical cameras for two satellites, while KP Labs is developing onboard data-processing systems and the mission’s testing environment.
About Scanway
Scanway S.A. is a Polish technology company operating in optoelectronics, image analysis and optical data processing. It develops solutions covering image acquisition, processing, analysis and the use of data for event forecasting.
The company operates through two main segments: Space and Industry. In the space segment, Scanway designs and supplies optical instruments, including telescopes and cameras for satellite applications, as well as analytical solutions for Earth observation from orbit. In the industrial segment, it develops image-data analysis systems used in areas such as automated quality control and Industry 4.0 solutions.
Scanway has developed complete optoelectronic products for Earth observation from orbit. Its solutions have been used in Polish and European space projects. The company operates the STAR VIBE observation satellite.
In 2024, the Scanway Camera System was included in the inaugural flight of Europe’s Ariane 6 launch vehicle. The company also supplied the SOP200 telescope, weighing around 10 kilograms, for Poland’s EagleEye satellite.
Scanway debuted on the NewConnect market in October 2023. On March 27, 2026, its shares were admitted to trading on the Main Market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
