SpaceX to Launch CAS500-2 with Multiple Earth Observation Payloads
A Falcon 9 is set to lift off from a yet-to-be-specified pad on Sunday, May 3, at 6:36pm Sydney time, deploying a mix of commercial and scientific satellites into low-Earth orbit.
The Mission
The flight, designated CAS500-2, will carry a diverse set of payloads designed to enhance global Earth monitoring capabilities. Two distinct companies will see their latest satellite technologies ride to orbit together on this single mission.
Payload Breakdown
Planet Labs: Next-Gen Pelican Constellation
Three first-generation Pelican satellites are aboard this flight. These spacecraft are designed to deliver 50cm-class imagery across six multispectral bands. A key feature of this new platform is its reliance on NVIDIA's Jetson AI platform for on-orbit processing, allowing for faster data analysis directly in space.
EarthDaily Analytics: Expanding the Constellation
Six satellites from EarthDaily Analytics are also on the manifest. Each satellite carries a sophisticated sensor suite: 16 multispectral imagers (12 VNIR, 2 SWIR, 2 LWIR) plus an RGB channel, for a total of 22 bands. The company plans to complete its 10-satellite constellation with three more launches later this year.
Looking Ahead
Planet Labs plans to launch second-generation Pelicans capable of 30cm-class observations later this year. EarthDaily Analytics, which launched its first satellite in 2025, will continue to build out its global coverage with this and future missions.
Stay tuned for live coverage of the launch attempt this Sunday.