SatSense Ltd., a leading InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology specialist based in Leeds, UK, has secured a landmark, multi-million-pound, multi-year contract with Network Rail to deliver network-wide ground deformation monitoring, flood mapping and change detection services using satellite radar technology.
The innovative approach paves the way for redefining geotechnical asset management and setting a new standard for sustainable infrastructure monitoring.
Under the agreement, SatSense will deliver processed InSAR data and derived services that integrate into Network Rail’s earthwork asset management systems, using data from satellites such as the Sentinel-1, NISAR and TerraSAR-X constellations. The approach aims to enable a transition to reduce reliance on repeat on-site examinations which can be costly, subjective and untimely.
Operational Applications
The implementation will deliver several key operational advantages over traditional monitoring methods:
- Cost Savings: Providing a cost-effective alternative to scheduled site visits across the entire network Enhanced Safety: Reduces risk to personnel by minimizing time spent on the track and on slopes, through continuous remote monitoring capabilities
- Improved Efficiency: Enables faster data collection eliminating time constraints of ground-based surveys, optimizing on-site time and unlocking capacity for critical geotechnical assessments
- High Data Accuracy and Consistency: Millimeter-level precision enabling repeatable measurements over time for trend analysis while reducing human error and subjectivity
- Continuous and Proactive Monitoring: Near real-time analysis after each satellite overpass, enabling predictive maintenance and improved data-driven decision making rather than reactive responses
- The implementation will build upon, rather than replace, Network Rail’s decades of manual examination expertise, using existing asset knowledge to validate and interpret Earth Observation data for enhanced asset management decisions.
Network Rail’s decision to use a suite of remote sensing technologies to enhance and optimize existing asset management systems reflects the organization’s commitment to operational excellence.
This first network-wide implementation is expected to influence adoption of integrated InSAR solutions across the global rail industry, with other major operators evaluating similar approaches.
The contract demonstrates the commercial viability of integrated satellite-based infrastructure monitoring and establishes new benchmarks for railway asset management. The implementation positions the UK at the forefront of railway innovation, with Network Rail leading the adoption of advanced monitoring technologies in major rail operations.
We are delighted with this appointment – it is a testament to the vision of decision-makers in Network Rail, and the quality of work delivered by the Network Rail and SatSense teams on this theme over the years,” said Dr. Matthew Bray, CEO of SatSense Ltd. “We’re excited to work towards realising the benefits that remote sensing offers in rail, enhancing safety and reliability at scale.”
About SatSense Ltd.
SatSense Ltd, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Leeds, is a leading InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) service provider specializing in ground and structural movement monitoring for critical infrastructure. Built on decades of academic heritage, the company delivers near real-time satellite-based monitoring solutions across civil engineering, utilities, natural hazards, and energy sectors. While UK-based, SatSense operates globally across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.