Frequently Asked Questions

LaunchDetect is an autonomous space launch detection platform that provides real-time monitoring of orbital launches worldwide. Using thermal satellite imagery, machine learning, and AI-powered intelligence synthesis, we deliver sub-30-minute detection latency for global rocket launches across 100+ active launch sites.

Our detection system combines multiple data sources including GOES, Himawari, MAXAR, UMBRA, and ICEYE satellites. We use shortwave infrared thermal signatures to identify pre-launch activity such as propellant loading and engine operations. Machine learning classifiers trained on 5,400+ historical launches analyze these signatures to confirm launch events with high confidence scores.

We provide hemispheric coverage across both Western and Eastern hemispheres, monitoring all major launch sites in the Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Africa and the Middle East. Our multi-source satellite constellation ensures continuous global monitoring with 2 sq km spatial resolution.

LaunchDetect achieves sub-30-minute detection latency from actual liftoff. Our system can detect pre-launch thermal signatures up to 45 minutes before T-0, providing early warning capabilities for launch preparation activities including propellant loading and engine chill-down operations.

LaunchDetect integrates multiple satellite platforms: GOES and Himawari for thermal monitoring, MAXAR for high-resolution optical imagery, UMBRA for synthetic aperture radar (all-weather capability), and ICEYE for SAR monitoring. We also use automated AI OSINT to catalog upcoming launches from public schedules and press releases.

Yes. Our synthetic aperture radar capabilities from UMBRA and ICEYE provide day/night monitoring through adverse weather conditions. Shortwave infrared detection also penetrates clouds to capture thermal signatures when optical sensors are obscured.

Heat detection analytics use shortwave infrared thermal signatures to identify launch preparation and liftoff events. Our system captures thermal emissions from rocket engines, propellant loading operations (such as LOX chill-down), and exhaust plumes across pre-launch and launch phases. Multi-band thermal analysis across visible, NIR, and SWIR spectrums enables cloud-penetrating detection capabilities independent of weather conditions.

Advanced SDA (Space Domain Awareness) Spatial Analytics is our Max tier capability that provides sophisticated geospatial intelligence for launch detection and tracking. This includes bearing and tracklet calculations, trajectory analysis, launch site characterization, and temporal pattern recognition. SDA analytics enable organizations to task LaunchDetect systems for specific monitoring requirements and integrate live detection data into operational reconnaissance workflows.

Our machine learning classifiers output confidence scores from 0-1 for each detection. Confirmed launches typically achieve confidence scores above 0.85. The system has been trained on 5,400+ historical launch observations with synthetic data generation to optimize accuracy across different launch vehicle types and site conditions.

LaunchDetect is built on AWS serverless architecture, leveraging Lambda functions for data processing, S3 for imagery archives, and API Gateway for client access. Our optimized pipeline ensures scalable, real-time processing with sub-hour latency and operational efficiency.

We offer three service tiers: Free (unlimited future predictions, upcoming launches only), Premium (all predictions, real-time detections, historical data, priority support), and Max (everything in Premium plus API access, Advanced SDA Spatial Analytics, Launch Detection Tasking, Organization Dashboard, live data streams, and dedicated support).

Yes. API access is included in our Max tier. The API provides programmatic access to detection data, predictions, and historical launch information. We support multiple integration methods including REST API, Kafka streaming, and ArcGIS Notebooks for enterprise workflows.

LaunchDetect offers drop-in integration with Kafka for real-time data streaming, REST API for programmatic access, and ArcGIS Notebooks for geospatial analysis workflows. Max tier customers also have access to our Space Dashboard for tasking LaunchDetect tools and streamlining reconnaissance operations. Custom integrations are available for enterprise clients.

Create a free account to start accessing unlimited future launch predictions. For Premium or Max tier access with real-time detections and API capabilities, contact our sales team to discuss your organization's requirements and pricing.

LaunchDetect serves defense contractors, intelligence agencies, space industry professionals, aerospace companies, research institutions, and commercial space operators. Our platform provides independent verification for launch activity monitoring, competitive intelligence, and space situational awareness.

Primary use cases include adversary monitoring and intelligence validation, space situational awareness and collision avoidance, commercial market analysis and competitive intelligence, launch schedule verification, mission planning support, and real-time alerts for critical operations. Our Hawaii-based operations provide strategic geographic advantage for INDOPACOM operations.

Yes. Our satellite-based detection operates independently of official disclosures. We can detect thermal signatures from launch preparation and liftoff events regardless of whether they've been publicly announced, providing independent verification and early warning capabilities.

Yes. LaunchDetect implements enterprise-grade security with origin validation, encrypted API endpoints, role-based access control (RBAC), and compliance with defense industry security standards. All data transmissions are encrypted, and we maintain strict access controls for sensitive detection data.

LaunchDetect LLC is based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Our geographic location provides strategic proximity to INDOPACOM operations and places us within a rapidly developing Space Domain Awareness (SDA) industry cluster in the Pacific region.

Free tier users receive email support. Premium customers get priority support with faster response times. Max tier customers receive dedicated support with direct access to our technical team, custom integration assistance, and priority issue resolution.