A Large Spaceborne Hyperspectral Constellation to Battle Climate Change
ABSTRACT
HyperField, a constellation of polar sun-synchronous nanosatellites, is being developed by the Finnish company Kuva Space. The constellation that will be launched in 2023 consists of 100 CubeSats with hyperspectral systems operating in the visible to near-infrared (VIS-NIR, 450-1100 nm) or Visible-to-shortwave infrared (VIS-SWIR, 450-2500 nm) ranges and provides two to three times daily images of every location on Earth. The hyperspectral is based on a Piezo-actuated Fabry-Perot interferometer (PFPI) and a tailored camera with innovative modes of acquisition. The spectral sampling is determined by software according to the application design and client requirements and can be modified during acquisition.
A novel artificial intelligence (AI) processing platform will be used to provide stakeholders with high-quality, affordable, spatially and spectrally services based data and forecasts on a daily basis, enabling them to make informed decisions that lead to a more sustainable environment, carbon sequestration, food security, and a reduction in climate change impacts.
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Michal Shimoni is an awarded scientific expert in the field of hyperspectral. She has extensive experience implementing spectral imaging in various applications, including security and defence, environmental pollution, precision agriculture, water quality, natural and anthropogenic hazard and urban landcover mapping. She has a broad knowledge of machine learning, multi-sensor imaging, 3D and physical modelling, and integrating sensors into airborne and space-borne platforms. Due to this, she became a leading expert in several research and development programs of the European Commission, European Space Agency and European Defence Agency. Her appointment by NATO as an expert at a large of hyperspectral technology was announced in May 2022.
Michal is currently employed as Head of Applications at Kuva Space, coordinating the development of products and services. She is also an active senior member of the International Society IEEE within she is an associate editor of the scientific journal IEEE-GRSL.