News
IDRS Earth Observation: Instant insight. Rapid response.
March 17, 2025
Satellite technology has changed the way we view the world, both literally and figuratively. Now, game-changing technology from Addvalue is taking Earth Observation one step further, by offering the world’s only ‘always-on’ real-time connection for any LEO space asset. The Inter-satellite Data Relay Service (IDRS) is an unmatched commercial service for satellites, OTVs, space stations and other resources operating in LEO.
By eliminating the need to wait for a satellite to pass over a ground station, information is available instantly on-demand, with no need for pre-scheduling. In this article, we explore some of the use cases that will benefit from this transformational connectivity solution.
IDRS Earth Observation: advantage unlocked
For years, the insight and information that satellites could deliver to teams on the ground has been limited by the speed at which data and imagery could be requested and delivered. For time-sensitive and urgent missions, where security, defense and even lives may be at stake, the need for scheduling access to ground stations is limited and degrades the value of this data and imagery.
IDRS offers 24/7 data connection transfer services for satellites operating at altitudes as low as 100km to 1000km, across all orbital inclinations. By leveraging a connection to the Viasat global L-band constellation of GEO satellites and its Internet Protocol (IP) compatible BGAN network, IDRS provides dependable, secure and, most importantly, near real-time connectivity with no need for pre-scheduling. The benefit is two-fold: allowing teams on the ground to issue command instructions the moment information is required, as well as enabling them to instantly receive a processed datagram of the time-sensitive requested data (optical, infrared, etc.) from the area of interest.
Customers will also save critical time and gain enhanced insight thanks to modern electronics onboard the satellite, allowing Edge Processing Algorithms to swiftly identify and analyze important information enabling mission analysts to take immediate action.
Use cases for IDRS Earth Observation
Wherever there’s a need for real-time surveillance, IDRS brings unmatched connectivity. Here are six real-world applications for the service, demonstrating how instant insight can benefit outcomes via swift, better-informed responses.
Wildfire
As the risk of wildfires increases globally, IDRS will play a vital role in future protection when it comes to the prediction, detection, alert and containment of wildfires, due to the on-demand, real-time surveillance of high-risk areas – however remote. Fire alert messages are sent instantly upon detection directly to the hands of first responders on the ground. Responses can then be adjusted according to the very latest data.
Flooding
Observations delivered in real-time via IDRS will also assist climate scientists, governments and humanitarian organizations in optimizing their plans and responses to floods. In delivering up-to-the-minute information about developing flooding situations, IDRS can provide time critical and actionable information directly to the emergency responders on the ground.
Coastguards
Maritime surveillance also benefits from the always-on connectivity that IDRS provides. From mounting an immediate response to illegal activities such as smuggling or dangerous small boat crossings to water border trespass or other security threats linked to ships, IDRS offers coastguards and other maritime authorities an opportunity to instantly request and receive essential information, aiding their successful operation.
Defense
Forewarned is forearmed. IDRS offers defense forces the instant delivery of alerts and observation data generated by early warning systems onboard LEO satellites. These enable near-real-time monitoring of border activity, troop movements, and military asset developments.
Security
By gathering data and providing information to help emergency services and governments respond to crisis in real-time, IDRS has a significant role to play in the development of enhanced civil security. From natural disasters to terrorist attacks, always-on connectivity can enhance the response of humanitarian organizations and civil security forces and enable faster, more effective decision making in emergency situations.
Illegal Fishing
Illegal fishing is a significant global problem and often occurs in remote areas that are hard to monitor. IDRS removes this problem, giving authorities real-time awareness of the waters they guard, and allowing a rapid response to illegal activity as it occurs. This improved ability to respond to illegal fishing enables significantly more effective maritime policing and helps to secure more successful arrests, as well as acting as a deterrent to future violators.