Icarus Wildlife Tracking Project Resumes with SpaceX Launch

Icarus, the pioneering wildlife tracking project, is set to resume operations with a SpaceX launch scheduled for November 11, 2025. According to Phys.org, this launch will carry the Icarus receiver aboard the GENA-OT satellite, marking a significant advancement in global wildlife monitoring.

The initial three months in orbit will focus on extensive testing, after which Icarus aims to establish a continuous connection with miniature sensors on animals worldwide. This technology will allow scientists to monitor animal locations, behaviors, health, and environmental conditions, providing critical insights into biodiversity and ecosystem health.

For the first time, Icarus will offer full global coverage, enhancing our understanding of the impacts of climate change on wildlife. Following the first receiver's deployment, a second receiver is slated for launch in 2026, which will further enhance data collection capabilities.

Together, these advancements are part of the Icarus 2.0 initiative, aimed at creating a planetary-scale observatory for real-time animal tracking. The project originally launched in 2020 aboard the International Space Station, where it collected valuable data on numerous species.

However, operations were halted in 2022 due to geopolitical tensions impacting the collaboration with Russian partners. The pause allowed for a technological overhaul, resulting in a miniaturized Icarus system that is significantly more energy-efficient and capable of processing data from more sensors.

The Icarus receiver is now integrated with the GENA-OT CubeSat, developed by OroraTech. The new system will enable bi-directional communication, allowing for real-time data transfer and remote reprogramming of sensors attached to animals.

By mid-2027, a constellation of six Icarus receivers is expected to be functional, offering unprecedented accuracy in tracking animal movements and health. This enhanced capability will allow scientists to detect disease outbreaks early and respond to ecological changes rapidly.

Furthermore, new ultra-lightweight animal tags are being developed, designed to record not only location but also conditions like temperature and humidity. This data will provide a holistic view of animal health within their environments.

The Icarus project is now integrated into the Animal Movement Biodiversity Observation Network, linking its data to broader global biodiversity monitoring efforts. As biodiversity loss accelerates, Icarus 2.0 represents a vital tool for conservation and ecological understanding.

According to Martin Wikelski, the project will help shape policies and conservation strategies, deepening our understanding of life's interconnectedness on Earth.