INO’s Infrared Detectors Launched into Space
On Monday, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket, next-generation infrared detectors—entirely developed and manufactured in Quebec by INO—were launched into space. Integrated into the EarthDaily multispectral satellite constellation, a Canadian initiative dedicated to Earth observation, these detectors will provide high-value data across several sectors, notably in environmental monitoring and disaster management.
This launch marks the first in a series that will ultimately allow rapid and highly reliable detection of changes on a planetary scale. With global coverage, rich spectral diversity, and automated processing powered by artificial intelligence, the EarthDaily constellation will meet critical needs in agriculture, environmental stewardship, and risk management. For both public decision-makers and businesses, this will mean greater access to frequent, actionable, and reliable geospatial data—reshaping how we respond to climate and geopolitical disruptions.
Click here to learn more about the EarthDaily constellation, to which INO contributed alongside other leading Canadian technology firms such as Xiphos and ABB.
Recognized Expertise in Infrared Detector Production
As Canada’s leading industrial innovation center in photonics, INO has advanced expertise in designing and manufacturing custom bolometric detectors, optimized for the most demanding applications—including aerospace, manufacturing, and defense.
Contributing to the EarthDaily mission is another concrete example of the power of photonics, a foundational enabling technology comparable to artificial intelligence or nanotechnologies,” says Alain Chandonnet, President and CEO of INO.
At a time when current events highlight the growing impact of natural disasters on economies and the urgency to strengthen Canada’s economic sovereignty and security amid global geopolitical pressures, photonics and innovation centers like INO play a vital strategic role: protecting communities, accelerating digital transformation, and helping restore Canada’s leadership on the global innovation stage.