UK Startup SuperSharp Unveils A Telescope That Could Solve Space Imaging’s Biggest Problem

SuperSharp Space Systems Ltd, a spin-out from the University of Cambridge, has reached two key milestones in its journey towards space deployment. The UK Space Agency has awarded the company £5 million to support an in-orbit test of its innovative unfolding thermal infrared (TIR) telescope. This telescope aims to support efforts to tackle climate change.

At the same time, SuperSharp has completed and delivered the first prototype of its high-resolution space telescope, called Hibiscus. The Centre for Earth Observation Instrumentation, in partnership with the UK Space Agency, supported the prototype’s development. The UK Space Agency has scheduled the Hibiscus telescope for launch in the final quarter of 2026.

Groundbreaking Telescopes For Climate Action

SuperSharp is developing compact space telescopes that expand once in orbit. These are designed to capture very detailed images of Earth. Compared to traditional systems, the telescopes provide up to ten times the imaging resolution per unit of cost.

This improved resolution allows for close-up observations of features as small as individual buildings, while still covering large areas. As a result, full city scans can be completed in a single orbit. The technology will help monitor issues like agricultural heat stress and heat loss from buildings. It will provide valuable tools for climate-related solutions.

Solving The “Goldilocks Problem” In Space Imaging

Although thermal infrared imaging has long been considered useful for sustainability, putting it into practice has proven difficult. This is due to a challenge known as the “Goldilocks Problem.” Large satellites can capture detailed images, but only occasionally. Smaller satellites provide frequent images, but the resolution is poor. This gap has made it hard to carry out real-time, building-level heat assessments in urban areas.

SuperSharp offers a solution with its unique telescope design. Their fold-out telescopes create large, high-resolution imaging systems in space. These can match the clarity of existing high-end systems but also cover wider areas. This boosts the amount of useful data gathered per pound spent, opening up new possibilities for using space imaging to tackle climate change.

In February 2025, SuperSharp announced that it had chosen Kongsberg NanoAvionics’ MP42 microsatellite as the host for its mission. The satellite will be launched in late 2026, as part of SpaceX’s Transporter rideshare programme.