Press Release
TALOS will deploy a fleet of at least five CubeSats to track animal movements, providing the Max Planck Society with access to both the technology and the collected data.
ICARUS 2.0 will be available globally and allow for comprehensive research into biodiversity loss, climate change and animal disease spreading
[Munich, January 13, 2025] — TALOS, a Munich-based NewSpace startup and pioneer in animal tracking as well as IoT technologies, has signed a 4-year cooperation agreement with the Max Planck Society to launch ICARUS 2.0: The partnership will define the next generation of satellite-based animal tracking and create unprecedented opportunities for global science and conservation.
The original ICARUS system, hosted on the International Space Station (ISS), was developed in collaboration with the Russian space agency, Roscosmos. However, all research projects with Russia were halted at the onset of the war in Ukraine, including ICARUS. Now, ICARUS 2.0 will operate independently with its own dedicated fleet of at least five CubeSats in low Earth orbit (LEO).
The advanced system will enable high-precision tracking of animals with GPS-accuracy. It will also provide researchers with animal location updates at least once a day, with the potential for updates up to five times per day once all five satellites are operational. In addition to location data, the five-gram tags attached to animals will measure temperature, humidity, pressure, and acceleration, offering a comprehensive dataset to support diverse research objectives.
Professor Martin Wikelski, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Animal Behavior, added:“This collaboration continues the legacy of ICARUS, allowing us to explore uncharted frontiers in animal behavior and global biodiversity. ICARUS 2.0 will be a critical tool for addressing environmental challenges, including climate change, conservation, and zoonotic disease tracking such as SARS, bird flu and the West Nile virus. By leveraging space technologies and collaborating with innovative space startups, the ICARUS initiative benefits from faster development cycles and enhanced capabilities, further expanding its reach and impact in global scientific research and conservation efforts.”
Gregor Langer, CEO of TALOS, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:“ICARUS 2.0 represents a transformative leap in animal tracking and environmental science. Together with the Max Planck Society, we are empowering scientists worldwide to gain deeper insights into our planet's ecosystems and the movements of animals on an unprecedented scale. Thanks to the increasing affordability of space technologies and satellite launches, space startups like TALOS are emerging as key players in advancing scientific research, effectively supporting research institutions in delivering real solutions for life on Earth.”
The ICARUS 2.0 mission aims to launch the CubeSat constellation in phases. The first satellite will launch in fall 2025. The full constellation of five satellites is expected to be operational by end of 2026.
About the Max Planck Society
The Max Planck Society is one of the world’s leading research organizations, dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge across a wide range of disciplines, from the natural sciences to the humanities. With over 80 institutes and research facilities worldwide, the Society fosters groundbreaking research to address global challenges and deepen our understanding of the world. Its mission is to drive innovation, contribute to scientific progress, and improve human welfare, making significant contributions to both fundamental science and practical applications.
About TALOS:
TALOS is a Munich- and Dresden-based NewSpace startup and a leading innovator in IoT and animal tracking technologies. Founded in 2022, the company is at the forefront of harnessing space technology to advance wildlife conservation, environmental and climate change research. Its lightweight, solar-powered IoT trackers and CubeSat constellation will provide precise animal tracking and environmental data collection, enabling researchers, conservationists, and scientists to better understand and protect the natural world. So far, the company is exclusively financed by customer orders and public grants and has been recognized for its innovation, including selection for the DBU GreenStartup program and as a finalist in the ESA BA challenge of the InnoSpace Masters 2024 competition.
About ICARUS
ICARUS (International Cooperation for Animal Research Using Space) is a space-based system initiated by Martin Wikelski. The system enables the continuous global tracking of animals, surpassing traditional methods such as bird ring marking. While the original system, which consisted of an on-board computer and an antenna attached to the International Space Station (ISS), was discontinued in March 2022, the new system will operate independently through its own satellite fleet. It will provide real-time, 3D tracking of animal migrations across all continents. The initiative aims to democratize access to tracking technology for the global scientific community, allowing smaller research organizations to participate in cutting-edge conservation efforts. A 3D rendering of real animal movement data can be viewed here.
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