Kuva Space eyes hyperspectral data services Copernicus contract

Its microsatellites, using an embedded hyperspectral camera, will help develop commercial services for Copernicus users, related to global issues like food security, carbon capture, and geopolitical security.

With an AI-driven analytics platform, Kuva Space then aims to build the collected data from its snapshot imagers into specific actionable insights, for users to monitor and forecast changes in near real time.

For example, the cameras will be able to capture data on things like crop types and their health, soil conditions, biomass, biodiversity, and marine chemical pollutants.

Farmers could be helped by detecting small changes in crop health, better enabling early disease detection, pest management, stress assessment, and damage evaluation with daily measurements.

“We look forward to closely collaborating with European Space Agency experts to validate our data quality and capabilities,” said Jarkko Antila, CEO of Kuva Space, pictured right.

“This program represents a remarkable opportunity to help shape the high standard for hyperspectral data services within the EU and globally.”

Kuva Space

Kuva Space will launch its Hyperfield-1 microsatellite in November 2023 before then launching four Gen 2 microsatellites in 2024, it says.

The Hyperfield-1 is a 6U CubeSat weighing 12kg, with a GSD (Ground Sampling Distance) of 25m. The Gen 2 microsatellite will be a 12U CubeSat weighing 24kg with a GSD of less than 10m. A propulsion capability is also expected to be added.

This will mark the initial stage of Kuva Space’s planned constellation, which it aims to eventually grow to 100 satellites by 2030 – to measure the material composition of any target on Earth sub-daily.

“With a time-series view of the coastal and marine ecosystems and agricultural landscapes, we bring accountability, trust and pricing transparency to the entire market and fuel its growth,” added Tuomas Tikka, the CTO and co-founder at Kuva Space.

Copernicus

Copernicus is the Earth Observation component of the European Union’s space programme.

It is implemented in partnership with the Member States, the European Space Agency (ESA), the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT), the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), EU Agencies and Mercator Océan.

You can see the various Copernicus services that have been created here.

See also: ICEYE signs up to provide imagery for Copernicus satellite programme