Talos develops satellite-based localization technology for research, agriculture, and logistics. The Max Planck Society is using the technology of the Munich new-space startup for its Icarus program. Icarus (International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space) is a research project for continuous observation of animals from space using mini-satellites. Tracking wildlife is not only known from impressive nature documentaries; it also provides science with invaluable data.
Bilateral research projects with Russia halted
The original Icarus system, which was operated from the International Space Station (ISS), was developed by the Max Planck Society together with the Russian space agency Roskosmos. Following the Ukraine war, however, all bilateral research projects with Russia were halted, including Icarus. Now Icarus 2.0 is being built with its own independent fleet of at least five cube-satellites in near-Earth orbit (Low-Earth-Orbit, LEO).
For this, Talos has now signed a four-year cooperation agreement with the Max Planck Society to launch Icarus 2.0: the partnership defines the next generation of satellite-based animal observation and opens up new possibilities for global science and nature conservation.
Daily updates on animal locations
The system allows highly precise tracking of animals with GPS accuracy. It is intended to provide researchers with updates on animal locations at least once daily. Once all five satellites are operational, up to five updates per day are possible. In addition to location data, the five-gram transmitters attached to the animals will also measure temperature, humidity, pressure, and acceleration, providing a comprehensive data set to support various research objectives. Professor Martin Wikelski, director at the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, explains:
“Our collaboration continues the success story of Icarus and enables us to explore previously unknown dimensions in animal behavior and global biodiversity. Icarus 2.0 will be a crucial tool for addressing environmental issues, climate change, nature conservation, and tracking zoonotic diseases such as SARS, avian flu, and West Nile virus. By leveraging space technologies and collaborating with innovative new-space startups, the Icarus initiative benefits from faster development cycles and broader applications. In this way, we expand the reach and impact of global scientific research and nature conservation efforts.”
“A quantum leap for wildlife tracking”
And Gregor Langer, CEO of Talos, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:
“Icarus 2.0 is a quantum leap for wildlife tracking and environmental science. Together with the Max Planck Society, we enable scientists worldwide to gain previously unthinkable insights into our planet’s ecosystems and animal movements. Thanks to the increasing affordability of space technology and satellite launches, new-space startups like TALOS become key drivers in advancing scientific research. In this way, we support research institutions worldwide in delivering concrete solutions for life on Earth.”
Icarus 2.0 plans to launch the cube-satellite constellation in several phases. The first satellite is scheduled to launch with SpaceX 15 in autumn 2025. The payload for the subsequent launch is currently being built. Production of the first satellite will begin as part of the SpaceX Transporter-16 mission and is expected to be completed by spring 2026. The complete constellation of five satellites is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2026.
