Kelluu: Persistent Aerial Data Below the Clouds

Kelluu: Persistent Aerial Data Below the Clouds

Between satellites in orbit and drones close to the ground, a gap remains in how environments are observed. Coverage can be intermittent, resolution inconsistent, and endurance limited. Kelluu operates in this space with autonomous airships designed to remain airborne for extended periods and collect continuous, high-resolution data. Flying at low altitudes below cloud cover, these systems capture detailed information across large areas and maintain a stable observational presence. The approach focuses on building a persistent aerial layer that supports situational awareness in environments where conditions change quickly or visibility is limited.

Technology and Product

Kelluu’s platform is based on hydrogen-powered, autonomous airships that combine lighter-than-air lift with electric propulsion. The systems are designed to operate without onboard pilots and can remain airborne for extended missions, collecting data continuously across wide areas. A range of sensors, including optical, infrared, and hyperspectral payloads, can be integrated depending on mission requirements. Data is processed and delivered through a cloud-based system, enabling access without complex infrastructure on the user side. Operating below cloud level allows for higher spatial resolution compared to most satellites, while longer endurance addresses limitations typical of drone-based systems. The result is a platform suited to persistent monitoring and detailed environmental mapping.

Autonomous airship platform designed for long-duration monitoring below cloud cover. (© Kelluu)

Industrial Fit and Applications

Forests, energy infrastructure, and industrial sites all change over time, often in ways that are difficult to capture with short-duration flights or periodic satellite passes. Kelluu’s airships are used in these settings to maintain a steady view from above, collecting data over hours or days. This enables applications such as tracking vegetation health, monitoring industrial activity, or supporting border and security operations. The ability to remain in place while capturing detailed imagery makes the system suited to situations where both continuity and resolution matter.

High-resolution aerial data processed to support digital twin generation of the environment. (© Kelluu)

Founding Team

Founded in 2018, Kelluu brings together deep expertise in technology development, commercial operations, and system engineering. The founding team includes Jiri Jormakka (Sales) and Jouni Lintu (formerly R&D, now a member of the company’s board), with a strong focus on developing autonomous airship platforms for long-duration data collection. Janne Hietala, who joined in 2022 as CEO and shareholder, leads the company’s international commercialization and scaling efforts.