Kuva Space is designing its hyperspectral imagery constellation to highlight anomalies in vast areas. Credit: Kuva Space
TAMPA, Fla. — Japan’s IHI is considering adding next-generation hyperspectral satellites from Finnish startup Kuva Space to its planned 100-strong, multi-sensor sovereign Earth observation constellation.
The companies announced a memorandum of understanding July 21 to explore building and operating Kuva’s Hyperfield-2 satellites in Japan, including potentially manufacturing them in the country.
The agreement envisages orders from the Japanese aerospace manufacturer in 2027, when Kuva also plans to demonstrate the 70-kilogram microsatellite in orbit for the first time, after deploying two 12-kilogram Hyperfield-1 cubesats over the past two years.
“A secure and resilient space capability is increasingly important for Japan’s national security,” said Atsushi Sato, president of IHI’s aero-engine, space and defense business.
