ISI introduces KNIGHT– A very high-resolution satellite with advanced SWIR and Video capabilities

ImageSat International reports that the KNIGHT development program is progressing according to schedule and has entered its final stages. The satellite is designed to strengthen ISI’s operational portfolio by delivering persistent, high-clarity observation of critical targets across day, night, and degraded visibility environments, enabling effective collection in low-visibility conditions such as haze, smoke, fog, and during dawn and dusk.

For defense and security users, KNIGHT provides reliable monitoring in conditions where conventional electro-optical systems face limitations. Its integrated SWIR channel enhances detection, recognition, and tracking capabilities, while onboard AI processes imagery directly in orbit - prioritizing mission-critical data and accelerating response timelines.

Building on the intelligence-centric architecture pioneered by ISI’s RUNNER satellite, KNIGHT incorporates proven in-orbit analytics, real-time movement tracking, and efficient narrow-band intelligence dissemination via embedded AI. It extends this foundation into the very high-resolution domain and into night and limited-visibility operations, combining 35 cm true-color imaging with a dedicated SWIR channel and integrated video capabilities to deliver a richer and more dynamic intelligence picture.

Advanced onboard computing enables real-time image and video assessment, autonomous memory management, and optimized downlink usage. The satellite can filter low-quality data, re-task areas of interest autonomously, and deliver actionable intelligence directly to operational networks. Its flexible processing architecture also allows software and algorithm updates throughout its lifetime, ensuring continuous performance enhancement and evolving analytical capabilities in orbit.

“Completing recent development milestones demonstrates the maturity of the Knight program and our continued execution towards a launch planned for 2027,” said Noam Segal, CEO of ImageSat International. “KNIGHT is being developed to provide defense and security users with clearer and more continuous intelligence, both static and dynamic, regardless of time of day or visibility conditions. By integrating very high-resolution imaging, SWIR sensing, video, and onboard AI-driven processing, it enhances operational flexibility and decision-making confidence in complex environments.”