Orbital Sidekick (OSK), selected as a technology provider to the intelligent Pipeline Integrity Program (iPIPE), launched the Aurora hyperspectral imaging satellite on June 30, 2021, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
“The technology aboard the satellite provides high-resolution imagery not previously available to our industry, and we look forward to learning how to apply this new capability through our iPIPE Partnership work,” said Darren Schmidt, Assistant Director for Subsurface R&D at the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC).
“We’re excited to have launched Aurora to help provide consistent monitoring services and further the exploration for clean energy sources globally,” said Dan Katz, CEO and Cofounder of OSK.
The iPIPE Program assists in development and demonstration of cutting-edge technologies that can prevent and/or detect pipeline leaks. iPIPE partners do this through a process of selecting emerging technologies for funding assistance, assisting in final development steps of the product, documenting demonstrations and results and, ultimately, facilitating the adoption of the best new technologies into gathering pipeline operations.
“The iPIPE consortium is focused on advancing technologies and has been recognized for innovation, dedication, and passion for the environment,” said Brent Lohnes, general manager in North Dakota for Hess Corporation and iPIPE consortium partner. “With our core partners, we are excited to be a part of the OSK satellite launch.”
The University of North Dakota EERC launched the iPIPE Partnership in 2018 with support from the North Dakota Industrial Commission and leaders within the state’s oil and gas industry. The initial state of North Dakota investment was matched by contributions from industry partners in the program and is managed by the EERC.
The intelligent Pipeline Integrity Program (iPIPE) is a consortium focusing on the advancement of near-commercial, emerging technologies to prevent and detect pipeline leaks. iPIPE is led by the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC) at the University of North Dakota and holds membership from these leading industry partners: Dakota Access Pipeline, DCP Midstream, Enbridge, Equinor, Goodnight Midstream, Hess, MPLX, North Dakota Oil and Gas Research Program, ONEOK, and TC Energy. For more information about joining one of the most innovative programs in the pipeline industry, contact the EERC or visit www.ipipepartnership.com.