Description
The AFR-1 satellite (Azista BST Aerospace First
Runner-1), launched on the SpaceX Transporter-8 rideshare
mission on June 23, 2023, is a high-resolution multispectral
optical satellite featuring a frame-based dual-camera imaging
system. Satellite images in multiple modes, including standard
7-band color imaging, maritime scanning, video, and night
imaging. With a native ground sampling distance of∼4.6 meters
and a swath of∼70 km, it delivers six-band multispectral +
panchromatic imagery with applications across land and ocean
monitoring. To enable reliable and rapid delivery of analysis-
ready satellite products, the APRIL (Advanced Pixel Research
and Intelligence Lab) team at Azista Industries developed the
scalable & reusable SCULPT (Scientific ConstrUction of Satel-
Lite Data Products Toolkit) platform. SCULPT supports the
full data processing pipeline from raw data depacketization to
calibration, atmospheric correction, pan-sharpening, and product
formatting. It also includes modules for planning, scheduling, and
delivery optimization. This paper presents a structured approach
to satellite data processing using SCULPT, covering pre-launch
and post-launch calibration activities, the technical capabilities of
AFR-1, operational modes, data optimizations, and daily mission
operations that ensure timely and accurate geospatial products
for end users.
