Kuva Space Wins Hyperspectral Data Award

Finland's Kuva Space, previously known as Reaktor Space Lab, has secured a lucrative hyperspectral data contract worth 5 million euros ($5.47 million) from the European Commission.

The contract is for the supply of hyperspectral data to the Copernicus Contributing Mission program, spanning a period of five years. This collaboration will enable Kuva Space to provide essential data for various applications, including the monitoring of farms, forests, methane emissions, harmful algal blooms, and more. Kuva Space ultimate goal is to offer high-quality insights to users worldwide, with the aim of enhancing life on Earth through data-driven solutions.

Kuva Space has been actively involved in advancing its hyperspectral imagers for commercial purposes since launching cubesats in 2018 and 2021. To achieve this, the company has made significant efforts to enhance the spatial resolution of its imaging technology.

Several test versions of the imager, including an airborne demonstrator, have been produced. Additionally, Kuva Space has successfully developed and demonstrated its AI-based capabilities for hyperspectral data processing and analytics using data from scientific satellites.

As part of its expansion plans, Kuva Space intends to launch four microsatellites in 2024 and aims to deploy up to 100 satellites by 2030. The company's unique selling point lies in its technology, and there miniaturized spaceborne hyperspectral imager. They achieved this by developing a "tunable 2D-snapshot hyperspectral imager" that generates high-quality hyperspectral data. Moreover, the imager incorporates application-optimized imaging modes to further enhance data quality.

To gain a competitive edge in the market, Kuva Space aims to establish a much larger satellite constellation than its competitors. This strategy will enable the company to provide data and insights on a significantly larger scale and frequency to its customers. Kuva Space's business model is built around delivering up-to-date and constantly updating analytical insights at an unparalleled price point in the field of Earth observation.

Copernicus Contributing Mission

The Copernicus Contributing Mission program is a vital component of the European Union's initiative to facilitate continuous and global Earth observation. The selection of Copernicus Contributing Missions involves a rigorous evaluation process that includes the participation of the European Space Agency. With the contract awarded to Kuva Space, the company is poised to play a significant role in advancing Earth observation capabilities and delivering essential data for a wide range of applications.