Stellerus uses satellites to visualize 3D air data for weather forecasts, risk insurance
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Start-Up Stellerus Technology aims to become the world’s first provider of satellite-enabled wind data three times to help wind power, move insurance firms to strengthen capital, according to its founders.
Stellerus, founded in 2023 by University students, would improve China’s investment in satellite production to make 3D aerial data economically viable, said Su Hui, chairman and founder.
3D wind data – wind direction and speed and their changes with altitude – are essential to improve weather forecasting, especially severe weather events.
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“After arriving in Hong Kong, I saw the technology to implement such a project in Mainland China was developed and the cost can be much lower than overseas,” said su. “In the US, such a satellite would cost us $100 million to build, compared to 20 million yuan [US$2.8 million] in China. “
Su Hui, chairman and co-founder of Stellerus technology. Photo: Edmond so Alt = Su hui, chairman and founder of Stellerus Technology. Photo: Edmond So>
ISU, Hydraulic Specialist, joined the HKUST Department of Environmental Engineering in 2022 as Chair Professor. He was previously the advanced program and climate manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Using advanced optical sensors, Stellerus can collect data and use artificial intelligence to analyze carbon dioxide, methane and water vapor in the atmosphere to calculate changes in wind direction and speed, he said.
“Such detailed information is lacking in global climate observations and analysis,” he said. “Various organizations, including NASA, have planned to start such a project, but none have been implemented so far due to the high cost of launching a satellite stream.”
NASA has been testing laser technology to develop 3D space-based atmospheric measurements, according to its website. They are also working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop advanced remote sensing instruments that can be carried by indoor satellites to collect accurate data to improve global weather forecasting.
In August 2023, HKUST partnered with Chang Guang Satellite Technology – a government-backed company from Jilin and China’s commercial satellite company – to become the first Hong Kong educational institution to introduce itself to the natural world.
