Raven

Raven [EnduroSat]

Raven is the first operational satellite of the ICARUS 2.0 constellation, a German-led wildlife tracking system developed by TALOS in cooperation with Bulgarian satellite manufacturer EnduroSat. Built as a 6U CubeSat, the spacecraft supports the Max Planck Society's "Internet of Animals" initiative by collecting telemetry from animal-borne tracking tags to study wildlife movements and environmental conditions on a global scale.

ICARUS 2.0 is the successor to the original ICARUS system, which operated from the International Space Station. After that program was suspended following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, TALOS assumed the role previously held by Roscosmos and, together with the Max Planck Society, initiated the development of an independent satellite constellation. Operating from dedicated spacecraft allows more frequent data collection and removes dependence on the ISS. Once the planned five-satellite constellation is completed, it is expected to provide up to five updates per day for tracked animals worldwide.

Raven carries a software-defined radio payload designed to communicate with lightweight tracking tags attached to birds, mammals, and other wildlife. These tags record parameters including position, temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and acceleration. The collected data supports research into animal migration, biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and environmental change while providing information for conservation efforts.

The satellite is based on EnduroSat's 6U CubeSat platform and was manufactured in Sofia, Bulgaria. TALOS is responsible for mission design, satellite operations, and development of the tracking technology, while EnduroSat supplies the spacecraft bus and access to its ground station network. Scientific leadership is provided by the Max Planck Society. The National Geographic Society supports the Raven mission as part of its Explorer program, promoting wider access to ICARUS data for researchers and conservation organizations.

Following the launch of a technology demonstrator in November 2025, Raven became the first operational spacecraft of the constellation. Four additional satellites are planned for launch between the end of 2026 and early 2027 to complete the initial operational network.