Hyperfield - Hyperspectral small satellites for improving life on Earth

Abstract

Over the past few decades, Earth observation technology has provided highly useful information for global climate change research, particularly in providing biological, physical, and chemical parameters on a global scale. Nevertheless, the low revisit rate and spectral resolution, as well as the expensive operational capacities of current spaceborne missions, make it difficult to gain rapid and accurate insights into degrading ecosystems or dissect faltering food security or carbon sinks. The Hyperfield constellation that will be launched in 2023 consists of 100 CubeSats with hyperspectral imagers operating in the visible-to-near-infrared (VIS-NIR, 450–1100 nm) and Visible-to-shortwave infrared (VIS-SWIR, 450–2500 nm) ranges and provides two to three times daily images from any location on Earth. The hyperspectral is based on a Piezo-actuated Fabry-Perot interferometer (PFPI) and a tailored camera with innovative modes of acquisition. A novel artificial intelligence (AI) processing platform will be used to provide stakeholders with high-quality, affordable data, analytical services 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. This paper presents the first and second generations of the Hyperfield satellites. It reviews their innovative platform and detector technology, the optical modes, planned mission operations, processing architecture and services.