IHI evaluates Kuva Space hyperspectral satellites for Japan’s multi‑sensor constellation
IHI is currently studying whether to incorporate hyperspectral satellites developed by Kuva Space, a Finnish startup, into its planned sovereign Earth‑observation constellation consisting of roughly one hundred satellites carrying diverse sensor types.
Kuva Space specialises in compact, low‑cost hyperspectral sensors that deliver detailed spectral information about land, water and the atmosphere. Such data can support environmental monitoring, pollutant detection and agricultural decision‑making.
For Japan, integrating these sensors would advance a diversified Earth‑observation infrastructure capable of meeting both civil and security requirements. The multi‑sensor approach aims to fill gaps in existing observation capacity and improve overall data quality.
IHI stresses that the evaluation is ongoing and no final decision has been made. If an agreement is reached, Kuva Space would become one of the first European firms to supply its technology to a Japanese government programme.