Finlands first-ever commercial hyperspectral satellite has successfully launched intospace.
The satellite named Hyperfield-1 is the brainchild of Finnish startupKuva Space.
Kuva equipped the spacecraft with ahyperspectral camera, which captures detailed data on wavelengths of light.
When materials on Earth absorb these wavelengths, they produce spectral fingerprints.
The hyperspectral camera will record these fingerprints, which Kuva will analyse with machine learning.
The company will then provide tailored insights to customers.
Kuva is targeting a diverse user base.
Farmers could monitor their crops in minute detail.
Defence ministries could surveil the seas.
Industrial sites could detect chemical leaks.
Scientists could forecast the progression of climate change.
We want our services to strongly contribute to improving life on Earth, Antila told TNW.
Kuva plans to rapidly expand these services.
By 2030, the company aims to deploy a constellation of 100 satellites.
Jarkko Antila, the startups CEO, has grand ambitions for the fleet.
He wants Kuva to become the Bloomberg of planetary insights.
The flight took off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
First contact has now been made with Hyperfield-1, Kuva told TNW on Monday.
After capturing hyperspectral imagery, the satellite will transmit its findings to Earth.
Kuvas AI platform can convert the data into decision-ready insights within 15 minutes, the startup said.
By 2027, the company aims to provide daily observations.
The plans have been backed by theEuropean Space Agency(ESA).
In May, ESA handedawarded Kuvaa 1.8mn contract to deliver hyperspectral insights about civil security and crisis events.
Kuva has also been selected for ESAsInCubedprogram, which supports Earth observation technologies.
Kuvas second satellite, Hyperfield-1B, has joined the scheme.
The spacecraft is slated for take-off in the first quarter of 2025.
Later that year, Kuva plans to launch the second generation of Hyperfields.
The startup is also expanding beyond Europes borders.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
