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Brno, Czech RepublicBrno, Czech Republic
Products & Solutions
SKAIDOCK
A space-qualified data processing unit for small satellite missions, built around the Xiphos Q8 module with an AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC processor. The PC104-format unit provides 4GB LPDDR4 ECC RAM, dual 128GB eMMC storage and a full suite of interfaces including CameraLink, CAN, Gigabit Ethernet and RS422. It is natively compatible with Simera Sense xScape imagers and carries flight heritage from hundreds of missions. SKAIDOCK was proven in space in 2025.
SKAIPACK
An image compression suite for multi- and hyperspectral satellite imagery. It implements two standards: CCSDS-123.0-B-2, delivering lossless compression at ratios of 2:1 to 4:1 via an FPGA IP core for Zynq and UltraScale+ platforms, and JPEG2000 with Region of Interest, supporting lossy compression up to 70:1. The ROI feature preserves high-priority image areas in lossless quality while aggressively compressing cloud-covered or low-value regions. SKAIPACK is natively optimised for integration with SKAIDOCK.
SKAISEN
Onboard object detection software for optical Earth observation satellites. SKAISEN screens a continuous stream of images from optical sensors while the satellite is in orbit, using AI-based cloud detection to identify and flag cloudy acquisitions before they are downlinked. The system works across most common sensor types and data processing units, does not delete or modify data, and enables ground operators to prioritise only valuable imagery for transmission. SKAISEN was first proven in space in 2024.
About
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Brno, Czech Republic, ZAITRA builds onboard data processing technology for small satellite missions. The company was established after its three co-founders — Marek Marušin (CEO), Rado Pitoňák (CTO) and Martin Javorka — participated in a hackathon together, and went on to receive support through ESA BIC Czech Republic and the South Moravian Innovation Centre.
Offices
Brno, Czech RepublicBacked by
Sunfish PartnersCzech Founders VCJan Široký (angel investor)European Space Agency (ESA)Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TAČR)
Customers & Partners
XiphosSimera SenseESA BIC Czech RepublicBrno Space ClusterConstellrTRL SpaceVZLUSpacemanic
Timeline
2025
SKAIDOCK data processing unit achieved its proven-in-space milestone, following SKAISEN's flight qualification in 2024.
2024-10
Closed a €1.7M pre-seed round led by Sunfish Partners, with Czech Founders VC, angel investor Jan Široký and public funding from ESA and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.
2023
SKAISEN flew on the SLAVIA mission (two 16U CubeSats performing spectral analysis of meteor composition), saving 98% of downlink bandwidth through onboard compression.
2023
SKAIDOCK flew on SATurnin-1, a Czech defence mission requiring advanced onboard AI data processing.
2022
Deployed an AI-based onboard processing solution on the VZLUSAT-2 demonstration mission, supported by ESA BIC CZ and the South Moravian Innovation Centre.
2019
Founded in Brno, Czech Republic, after co-founders Marek Marušin, Rado Pitoňák and Martin Javorka met at a hackathon.
Open Positions (2)
Products & Solutions
SKAIDOCK
A space-qualified data processing unit for small satellite missions, built around the Xiphos Q8 module with an AMD Zynq UltraScale+ MPSoC processor. The PC104-format unit provides 4GB LPDDR4 ECC RAM, dual 128GB eMMC storage and a full suite of interfaces including CameraLink, CAN, Gigabit Ethernet and RS422. It is natively compatible with Simera Sense xScape imagers and carries flight heritage from hundreds of missions. SKAIDOCK was proven in space in 2025.
SKAIPACK
An image compression suite for multi- and hyperspectral satellite imagery. It implements two standards: CCSDS-123.0-B-2, delivering lossless compression at ratios of 2:1 to 4:1 via an FPGA IP core for Zynq and UltraScale+ platforms, and JPEG2000 with Region of Interest, supporting lossy compression up to 70:1. The ROI feature preserves high-priority image areas in lossless quality while aggressively compressing cloud-covered or low-value regions. SKAIPACK is natively optimised for integration with SKAIDOCK.
SKAISEN
Onboard object detection software for optical Earth observation satellites. SKAISEN screens a continuous stream of images from optical sensors while the satellite is in orbit, using AI-based cloud detection to identify and flag cloudy acquisitions before they are downlinked. The system works across most common sensor types and data processing units, does not delete or modify data, and enables ground operators to prioritise only valuable imagery for transmission. SKAISEN was first proven in space in 2024.
About
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Brno, Czech Republic, ZAITRA builds onboard data processing technology for small satellite missions. The company was established after its three co-founders — Marek Marušin (CEO), Rado Pitoňák (CTO) and Martin Javorka — participated in a hackathon together, and went on to receive support through ESA BIC Czech Republic and the South Moravian Innovation Centre.
Offices
Brno, Czech RepublicBacked by
Sunfish PartnersCzech Founders VCJan Široký (angel investor)European Space Agency (ESA)Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TAČR)
Customers & Partners
XiphosSimera SenseESA BIC Czech RepublicBrno Space ClusterConstellrTRL SpaceVZLUSpacemanic
Timeline
2025
SKAIDOCK data processing unit achieved its proven-in-space milestone, following SKAISEN's flight qualification in 2024.
2024-10
Closed a €1.7M pre-seed round led by Sunfish Partners, with Czech Founders VC, angel investor Jan Široký and public funding from ESA and the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic.
2023
SKAISEN flew on the SLAVIA mission (two 16U CubeSats performing spectral analysis of meteor composition), saving 98% of downlink bandwidth through onboard compression.
2023
SKAIDOCK flew on SATurnin-1, a Czech defence mission requiring advanced onboard AI data processing.
2022
Deployed an AI-based onboard processing solution on the VZLUSAT-2 demonstration mission, supported by ESA BIC CZ and the South Moravian Innovation Centre.
2019
Founded in Brno, Czech Republic, after co-founders Marek Marušin, Rado Pitoňák and Martin Javorka met at a hackathon.
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