UK Rail: SatSense InSAR Monitors Network, Improves Asset Management

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Introduction

SatSense has been awarded a contract by Network Rail to implement satellite radar technology for monitoring the UK rail network. The multi-million-pound, multi-year deal will utilize Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology to monitor ground deformation, map floods, and detect surface changes across the network, beginning September 22, 2025.

Contract Details

The agreement will see SatSense providing processed InSAR data and related services, which Network Rail will integrate into its earthwork asset management systems. The data will be sourced from satellite constellations including Sentinel-1, NISAR, and TerraSAR-X. The aim is to reduce reliance on repeated on-site examinations.

Operational Advantages

SatSense has identified several operational advantages of the new system. These include potential cost savings by decreasing the frequency of scheduled site visits, enhanced safety by reducing on-site personnel exposure, and improved efficiency through faster data collection. The technology also offers high data accuracy with millimetre-level precision, enabling consistent measurements for trend analysis and reducing human error. Additionally, it provides continuous and proactive monitoring, allowing for near real-time analysis and predictive maintenance.

Network Rail’s Perspective

Network Rail Geotechnics Network technical head Simon Abbott stated that the integration of near real-time ground movement, flood, and change detection data would enhance predictive capabilities and improve risk management. The implementation will build upon Network Rail’s existing manual examination expertise, using current asset knowledge to validate and interpret the satellite data for improved asset management decisions.

Project Reach

In June, Network Rail, Neos Networks, and Freshwave launched Project Reach. This partnership focuses on eliminating mobile signal blackspots along Britain’s major rail routes and is projected to save taxpayers approximately £300m ($411.7m).

Conclusion

SatSense secured a contract with Network Rail to implement satellite radar technology for monitoring the UK rail network, utilizing InSAR technology. The project aims to improve asset management and reduce reliance on traditional on-site inspections, and is said to represent the first large-scale integration of satellite-based monitoring by a major rail operator globally.

Company Summary

Network Rail: A major rail operator in the UK.

SatSense: A company providing satellite radar technology.

Freshwave: A company involved in Project Reach.

Neos Networks: A company involved in Project Reach.

Technology

InSAR: Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar technology used for monitoring ground deformation, mapping floods, and detecting surface changes.

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