Talos develops satellite-based tracking technology for research, agriculture, and logistics. The Max Planck Society uses the technology from the Munich-based New Space startup for its Icarus program. Icarus (International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space) is a research project for the continuous observation of animals from space using mini-satellites. Tracking wild animals is not only well known from impressive animal documentaries, it also provides science with invaluable data.
Bilateral research projects with Russia stopped
The original Icarus system, operated from the International Space Station (ISS), was developed by the Max Planck Society together with the Russian space agency Roscosmos. However, as a result of the war in Ukraine, all bilateral research projects with Russia, including Icarus, were halted. Icarus 2.0 is now being built, with its own independent fleet of at least five Cube satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO).
To this end, Talos has now signed a four-year cooperation agreement with the Max Planck Society to launch Icarus 2.0: The partnership defines the next generation of satellite-based wildlife observation, opening up new opportunities for global science and conservation.
Daily updates on animal locations
The system allows for high-precision animal tracking with GPS accuracy. It is designed to provide researchers with updates on animal locations at least once a day. Once all five satellites are operational, up to five updates per day will be possible. In addition to location data, the five-gram transmitters attached to the animals will also measure temperature, humidity, pressure, and acceleration, providing a comprehensive dataset to support various research objectives. Professor Martin Wikelski, Director at Max Planck Institute for behavioral biology, explains:
"Our collaboration continues the Icarus success story and enables us to explore previously unknown dimensions in animal behavior and global biodiversity. Icarus 2.0 will be a crucial tool for tackling environmental challenges, climate change, nature conservation, and tracking zoonotic diseases such as SARS, avian influenza, and West Nile virus. By leveraging space technologies and collaborating with innovative new space startups, the Icarus initiative benefits from faster development cycles and broader application possibilities. In this way, we expand the reach and impact of global scientific research and conservation efforts."
“Quantum leap for wildlife tracking”
And Gregor Langer, CEO of Talos, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership:
"Icarus 2.0 is a quantum leap for wildlife tracking and environmental science. Together with the Max Planck Society, we are enabling scientists worldwide to gain previously unimaginable insights into our planet's ecosystems and animal movements. Thanks to the increasing affordability of space technologies and satellite launches, new space startups like TALOS are becoming key to advancing scientific research. In this way, we are supporting research institutions worldwide in delivering very concrete solutions for our life on Earth."
Icarus 2.0 plans to launch the Cube satellite constellation in several phases. The first satellite is scheduled to launch on SpaceX 15 in fall 2025. The payload for the subsequent launch is currently being built. Production of the first satellite will begin as part of the SpaceX Transporter 16 mission and is expected to be completed by spring 2026. The full constellation of five satellites is expected to be operational by the end of 2026.
