Orthorectification at The Source For Satellite Missions

Through a shift to in-space compute, PCI Geomatics (DBA CATALYST) unveils a capability that outputs precision-corrected imagery aboard the vehicle, accelerating insight for operators. By moving heavy workloads upstream, missions allocate power and CPU more wisely while preserving imaging quality. The approach brings photogrammetric rigor to the edge without sacrificing fidelity.

Orthorectification and Distortion

Instead of beaming unrectified frames for later correction to faraway analysts, operators can receive geo-ready maps that reach Earth already corrected. The earlier ground-heavy model demanded expansive facilities, high‑rate links, and specialty staff, stretching timelines. Distortions from terrain and the sensor model are corrected before delivery. Within this flow, the step list includes terrain rectification, and only after several passes does orthorectification happen upstream of transmission.

The legacy path also leaned on large antenna farms and compute clusters, which drove up costs and turnaround time. As fleets continue to grow, scarce spectrum must serve many modern platforms in space, which lengthens queues. When capacity is rationed among many vehicles, the effect is amplified for large satellite platforms.

Use Cases for Time-Critical Operations

Inside the CATALYST software chain, two core operators—responsible for terrain correction and precise positioning—run in a lean in‑space pipeline tuned for modern rad‑hard processors. Because compute happens prior to sending data home, delay is cut drastically and insights flow while events are unfolding. With this approach, operators act immediately during time‑critical scenarios, including on‑orbit detections and rapid tasking. Applications range from disaster response to monitoring infrastructure, with algorithm support for onboard analytics. Because compute now runs aloft, a cascade of corrections executes first—map alignment, sensor model updates, and only then orthorectification and geolocation—so users act faster.

During emergencies, a cloud and shadow filter can run on multispectral collections before the pass ends, pushing alerts in minutes and cueing aerial assets.