Hyperfield: a large constellation of hyperspectral nanosatellites

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. This paper presents the first and second generations of the Hyperfield satellites. It reviews along with their innovative platform and detector technology, the optical modes, planned mission operations, advanced AI-based processing architecture and novel algorithms are developed to improve the acquisition, enhance the image quality and produce tailored-based services.