Kuva Space Awarded €1.8M Contract to Join ESA’s Civil Security from Space Program
Kuva Space: Joining the ESA’s Civil Security from Space Program
Kuva Space, a Finnish hyperspectral satellite and analytics company, has recently been awarded €1.8M to join the European Space Agency’s Civil Security from Space Program. This program aims to provide advanced situational awareness for monitoring and mitigating security and crisis events, and Kuva Space will play a key role in providing crucial data from space.
One of the main focuses of Kuva Space’s participation in this program is to provide automatic detection of marine vessels using hyperspectral imaging and its advanced AI platform. By monitoring vessels for Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) signals, Kuva Space can alert authorities if a vessel’s signal is turned off, indicating potential criminal activity. This technology will be instrumental in enhancing border surveillance and detecting illegal activities along the Baltic Sea area.
As part of the three-year R&D program, Kuva Space will work closely with Finnish authorities to develop on-board hyperspectral data processing, mobile communication between satellites and IoT devices, and conduct field studies to test and refine their technology. The ultimate goal is to provide real-time data and alerts to support humanitarian responses, law enforcement, safety, and emergency events.
This is not the first major achievement for Kuva Space, as the company was also awarded a €5M commercial contract in 2023 to provide hyperspectral data services for the EU Copernicus program. Additionally, Kuva Space won the NATO Innovation Challenge for its AI-driven analytics for enhanced Arctic monitoring capabilities. These successes highlight the company’s expertise in using cutting-edge technology to address pressing security and crisis management challenges.
Overall, Kuva Space’s participation in the ESA’s Civil Security from Space Program is a significant step forward in leveraging space technology for the benefit of societal safety and security. With their innovative solutions and dedication to advancing spaceborne solutions, Kuva Space is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact in crisis events and emergency response efforts.