Demystifying EO Data: Patrick Pils and How LETO SPACE Lead End-Users to Space

While Europe is discussing how to create a response to SpaceX and how to fill the resulting increase in launches, there is also the question of how to connect potential downstream users with space industry outputs. One such company doing this is Graz, Austria based LETO SPACE. Orbital Today sat down with the company’s founder Patrick Pils to better understand what it’s like to literally lead companies to space.

Digital transformations in unexpected places

OT: How did LETO SPACE come about?

Patrick Pils: We officially started LETO SPACE on 1 September 2023. LETO SPACE was born out of a challenge I noticed while working on large-scale digital transformation projects for both governmental and private sector clients. These projects often involved digitizing and automating processes, where clients had heavily invested in IoT sensors and similar technologies. However, much of the data they sought could now be acquired through satellite technology, often with the required granularity. When I asked why they hadn’t explored satellite data, the typical response was that they either weren’t aware of its potential or dismissed it as science fiction.

Some clients had engaged with space-related projects over a decade ago, but at that time, data availability and quality didn’t meet their needs. As a result, many of those early innovation projects failed to deliver as expected, and interest faded. I realized I had a passion for bridging this gap—connecting organizations with cutting-edge technology and making it accessible. This was the driving force behind LETO SPACE, which stands for “Leading to Space.” Our mission is to raise awareness about what’s possible in space and provide access to the transformative solutions it offers.

We spent considerable time refining our focus because the space industry is vast. One core area is what we call space-enabled digital transformation. This involves educating organizations about satellite data and associated services, designing service architectures, and integrating these capabilities into existing IT systems and business processes.

Another focus is digitally transforming the space sector itself. Traditional “Old Space” organizations often rely on legacy systems, siloed structures, and outdated processes, which hinder their ability to compete with agile “New Space” companies. By bridging these two worlds, we help both industries evolve and collaborate more effectively.

One of the tools we are developing to support our mission is Spacegraph—a market intelligence platform and marketplace for space-enabled services. Spacegraph connects decision-makers, like CEOs or planners in industries such as construction or real estate, with the best space-enabled solutions to address their challenges. Users can input their specific needs and explore solutions already available. Where partnerships exist, they can book services directly through the platform; if not, they’re directed to providers. Spacegraph helps clients make informed decisions while fostering a transparent and accessible space ecosystem.

OT: Is it easier to engage with organizations unfamiliar with satellite solutions or with those already working in the space industry?

Patrick Pils: Each stakeholder group requires a unique approach. When engaging with clients, we focus on their current level of understanding and build from there. For most, raising awareness is essential, and this effort is a core part of our mission.

In the public sector, for example, some governmental departments are advanced users of geoinformation systems, eager to enhance their capabilities. Others, like those responsible for environmental impact assessments, often rely on manual processes and are unaware of how satellite data could streamline their work. We aim to meet them where they are, speak their professional language, and show them how space-enabled solutions align with their goals.

In Austria, for instance, the state of Salzburg employs a geologist who is a leading advocate for satellite data and regularly creates success stories. This is an ideal scenario. In other regions, however, awareness is much lower, requiring us to educate stakeholders and identify use cases that demonstrate the value of satellite-derived data.

It’s not rocket science

OT: Do some clients still think space projects require hiring rocket scientists?

Patrick Pils: Yes, there’s a common misconception that leveraging space technology is prohibitively complex or requires launching your own satellites. To address this, we developed a market intelligence framework to illustrate the service architectures already in place. When these architectures are well-developed, the benefits of satellite solutions are clear and easy to communicate. Clients can access existing infrastructure and services without needing deep technical expertise.

Take emissions measurements, for example. Many companies still rely on manual methods. By collaborating with a company like Floodlight, which has an office in Austria, we can measure emissions—including all six Kyoto Protocol greenhouse gases—with a resolution of three square meters. The process is straightforward and eliminates complexity: clients receive actionable reports, not raw data.

In cases where service architectures are not yet fully developed—such as some agricultural applications—we help clients build bespoke solutions. While this requires more effort and investment, it’s often supported by public funding from programs across Europe, ESA, and local research agencies. These funds help mitigate the financial risks associated with bespoke projects.

OT: Does the term “bespoke” intimidate clients?

Patrick Pils: It’s more about the challenge of demonstrating a clear return on investment (ROI). Bespoke solutions come with inherent risks and uncertainties, which decision-makers are often cautious about. When predefined services exist, costs and outcomes are straightforward to estimate. Bespoke projects, however, require detailed effort and cost estimations upfront, which can complicate decision-making.

Fortunately, public funding often covers up to 80% of project costs, making bespoke projects more attractive. While these projects take longer due to reporting and approval processes, the financial incentives are compelling, especially for organizations with limited budgets.

Microgravity use cases

OT: In your presentations, you’ve mentioned microgravity. Beyond manufacturing, what other use cases do you see?

Patrick Pils: Microgravity offers immense potential beyond manufacturing. While it’s a game-changer for industries like pharmaceuticals—where breakthroughs include heart tissues grown on the ISS—it also holds promise in areas like space tourism.

Initially, we referred to this concept as “the medium of space,” encompassing the unique perspective and environment it offers. The view from space and the microgravity experience are valuable in themselves, as seen in emerging markets like balloon-based space tourism. Companies like Space Perspective already have significant bookings, indicating strong demand.

While LETO SPACE currently focuses on downstream applications, we’re closely watching upstream developments, including microgravity research and manufacturing. As downstream adoption grows, it will naturally drive investment in upstream capabilities.

OT: Are there significant differences in how various industries respond to your offerings?

Patrick Pils: Yes, each industry has its own challenges and levels of familiarity with space solutions. For instance, environmental scientists often have experience working with raw satellite data but may resist simplified, service-oriented approaches. In contrast, industries like construction or real estate often require awareness-building to overcome fears that space technology is overly technical or scientific.

Our role is to demystify satellite data, positioning it as an additional layer of insight rather than a complex, standalone solution. For example, integrating satellite monitoring into existing IT systems offers new perspectives without overhauling their workflows.

On demystifying data in Europe and beyond

OT: What does your training program involve?

Patrick Pils: We focus on awareness-building workshops tailored to decision-makers in industries like construction, real estate, and smart cities. Our half-day introductory training covers the history of satellite data, its current applications, and how space-enabled services can address specific challenges.

Participants gain insights into how satellite data can optimize asset management, streamline processes, and contribute to sustainability goals. We also showcase case studies and success stories, such as geo-referenced building information modeling, to inspire innovative thinking.

For more advanced training, we collaborate with service providers to offer hands-on sessions using real-world platforms. This ensures clients gain practical experience and confidence in implementing space-enabled solutions.

OT: Will LETO SPACE expand beyond the European Space Agency (ESA) ecosystem?

Patrick Pils: While our primary focus is on the ESA ecosystem and European markets, we’re open to global opportunities. For instance, collaborations with the United Nations and interest from regions like Southeast Asia and South America highlight the potential for European satellite services to address international challenges.

That said, our current size and growth strategy mean we’re concentrating on industries and markets where we have the most expertise. Strengthening Europe’s space commercialization efforts is a key part of our mission, but we’re also building a platform for global visibility and impact.

Postscript: Orbital Today would like to thank Patrick Pils for taking the time to speak with us about bringing end-users to an understanding of what the space industry can do for them.