Tech startup Kuva House is working with the Finnish Environmental Institute (Skye) to analyse the well being of the Nordic nation’s waters with a specialised satellite tv for pc.
The pilot take a look at will harness Kuva’s hyperspectral sensors, which might analyse a wider mild spectrum than conventional sensors. From area, the corporate’s probe can learn the spectral signatures of just about any materials on Earth — together with poisonous cyanobacteria.
Also referred to as blue-green algae, these tiny organisms proliferate in Finland’s lakes and seas throughout summer season. In excessive concentrations, they are often dangerous and even deadly to people and different animals.
Nevertheless, cyanobacteria are visually indistinguishable from different, innocent algal blooms. Essentially the most correct technique to monitor them at the moment is to take water samples, which is time-consuming and costly.
Kuva and Skye are exploring a doubtlessly higher various. The companions are coaching AI fashions on hyperspectral satellite tv for pc imagery, in addition to water samples and insights from biochemical and genetic analysis.
Over time, the algorithms are anticipated to change into an increasing number of correct at monitoring cyanobacteria and decoding what’s driving their unfold.
“We’re very enthusiastic about this pilot with Kuva House as a result of somewhat than simply detecting the presence of algae, we will use Kuva’s hyperspectral know-how and AI to discover the spectral vary and take a step additional in figuring out which algae species are current and assessing their biomass,” mentioned Jenni Attila, main researcher & group supervisor at Skye.
Kuva launched its first satellite tv for pc, Hyperfield-1A, in August 2024. By 2030, the startup plans to have 100 satellites in orbit. From orbit, the probes will analyse the chemical compositions of pure and artifical supplies.
Along with recognizing dangerous algal blooms, the know-how will be tuned in orbit for varied different use instances. The agricultural sector, as an illustration, can optimise the sensors to observe crops. Defence ministries can faucet the information for surveillance. Industrial websites can deploy the imagery to detect chemical leaks. In marine ecosystems, the tech can monitor aquatic species, water high quality, and unlawful fishing vessels.
