Photo: Talos

Talos, a German based space startup signed a new four-year agreement with nonprofit the Max Planck Society to launch ICARUS 2.0, a cubesat constellation for space-based animal tracking. The partnership will aim to define the next generation of satellite-based animal tracking and create opportunities for global science and conservation. The deal was announced, Jan. 13.

Talos plans to deploy a fleet of at least five cubesats to track animal movements, providing the Max Planck Society with access to both the technology and the collected data. ICARUS 2.0 will be available globally and allow for comprehensive research into biodiversity loss, climate change and animal disease spreading.

The original ICARUS system, hosted on the International Space Station (ISS), was developed in collaboration with the Russian space agency, Roscosmos. However, all bi-lateral research projects with Russia were halted at the onset of the war in Ukraine, including ICARUS. Now, ICARUS 2.0 will operate independently with a dedicated fleet of at least five cubesats in LEO.

Talos said the system will enable high-precision tracking of animals with GPS-accuracy. It will also provide researchers with animal location updates at least once a day, with the potential for updates up to five times per day once all five satellites are operational. In addition to location data, the five-gram tags attached to animals will measure temperature, humidity, pressure, and acceleration, offering a comprehensive dataset to support diverse research objectives.

“ICARUS 2.0 represents a transformative leap in animal tracking and environmental science. Together with the Max Planck Society, we are empowering scientists worldwide to gain deeper insights into our planet’s ecosystems and the movements of animals on an unprecedented scale. Thanks to the increasing affordability of space technologies and satellite launches, space startups like Talos are emerging as key players in advancing scientific research, effectively supporting research institutions in delivering real solutions for life on Earth,” Gregor Langer, CEO of Talos said in a statement.