Satellite tasking is the act of “ordering” a satellite to capture new imagery of a specific place at a specific time. Instead of searching through images that already exist, you tell a satellite provider exactly where and when you want a fresh collection. To task a satellite, you submit the coordinates of your area of interest (AOI), a time frame, and an acquisition interval, and the satellite captures your image during that window — weather permitting (UP42).
Because the collection is built around your request, satellite tasking gives you control over the exact location, timing, resolution, and area covered. The finished image is then delivered in your chosen output format, based on the satellite’s capabilities.
How satellite tasking works
At a high level, satellite tasking follows a consistent set of steps regardless of provider:
- Define your AOI. Draw a polygon on a map or enter GPS coordinates.
- Set your parameters. Choose the time window, resolution, sensor type (optical or SAR), and any constraints like maximum cloud cover or incidence angle.
- Check feasibility. The provider assesses whether the collection is realistic given satellite availability, location, season, and weather.
- Schedule and collect. The satellite is tasked to image your AOI during the agreed window.
- Receive your data. Once collected and processed, the imagery is delivered in your specified format.
Tasking vs. archive imagery
The core difference between tasking and archive imagery is time and control. Archive imagery was captured in the past and stored in a catalogue; tasking decides when and where a satellite will collect new data based on your needs (Arlula).
- Archive is faster to access and typically lower cost, which makes it ideal for baselines, historical change detection, and retrospective analysis.
- Tasking gives you a brand-new image of an exact moment, which is essential when current conditions matter — monitoring a construction site, responding to a disaster, or tracking change as it happens.
Many projects combine both: archive imagery establishes a baseline, and a fresh tasked collection captures the current state.
Feasibility and turnaround
Before a satellite is tasked, the provider runs a feasibility assessment that weighs factors such as cloud cover, local climate, seasonal restrictions, acquisition interval, and the satellite’s viewing angle (Geopera). Feasibility always depends on the satellite, the location, and the timing of your request.
Turnaround varies with priority. Standard tasking commonly takes around 7–14 days from order to delivery, while rush or priority tasking can be completed in roughly 3–7 days, weather permitting (XRTech). Because optical collections depend on clear skies, persistent cloud can extend timelines — one reason SAR, which images through cloud, is often chosen for time-critical work.
Cost considerations
Tasking costs more than archive because you are commissioning a new collection. A few factors drive the price:
- Resolution: Higher resolution (for example, 30 cm versus 50 cm) costs more.
- Priority: Faster, guaranteed, or emergency collections cost more than standard scheduling.
- Area and minimum order: New collections usually carry a minimum order size, often larger than for archive imagery.
- Sensor type: Optical and SAR have different pricing and trade-offs.
As a general rule, archive imagery is meaningfully cheaper than a comparable new tasking, so it is worth checking the archive first when timing allows (Terrabit). Pricing varies by provider and changes over time, so confirm current rates before you order.
How to task satellite imagery with SkyWatch
You don’t need a relationship with each satellite operator to task imagery. With SkyWatch EXPLORE, you simply specify what you need and the platform finds a provider that can task the data for you. The flow is straightforward:
- Draw your AOI with the polygon tool or enter GPS coordinates.
- Choose the output and parameters for your imagery.
- Set up your pipeline.
- Retrieve your data once it has been collected.
For enterprise procurement and data management, see SkyWatch HUB, and for programmatic, pay-as-you-use tasking and access to 400+ data providers via API, see SkyWatch BUILD. If you’re weighing radar for cloudy or time-critical projects, our guide to SAR (synthetic aperture radar) explains when it’s the better choice.
Ready to order new imagery? Start tasking with SkyWatch EXPLORE or talk to our team to find the right approach for your project.
