Tag: hyperspectral imaging
-
Hyperspectral Satellites: The Race Beyond More Bands
Two satellite systems observe the same open-pit mine and offer different answers. The multispectral satellite says: “This area appears reddish. Iron oxides may be present.” It infers material properties from differences across a handful of broad spectral bands. The hyperspectral satellite can go further: “The spectral signatures indicate hematite and goethite, with an associated alteration…
-
Can Satellites Measure Soil Organic Carbon?
Satellites can help estimate soil organic carbon and map its spatial variation, but they do not directly measure the carbon stored throughout a soil profile. Optical sensors observe the exposed surface or the vegetation above it. Turning those observations into a soil carbon estimate requires a model, representative soil samples and independent validation. For agricultural…
-
How Reliable Is Satellite-Derived Water Turbidity?
Satellite-derived turbidity can support reliable monitoring of sediment plumes, seasonal patterns and unusual changes across rivers, lakes and coastal waters. Its reliability, however, depends on whether the imagery, processing method and retrieval algorithm have been validated for the conditions being monitored. A convincing map is not enough: users need to know how closely the estimates…
-
Can Satellite Imagery Detect Oil Spills on Land?
Satellite imagery can help identify some oil spills on land, particularly where contamination is exposed, sufficiently extensive, and observable in suitable spectral bands. It can also reveal surface changes that warrant investigation. But a dark patch near an oil well, an unusual soil color, or declining vegetation does not by itself confirm petroleum contamination. For…
-
Xiopm SPACE’s Qin Jing: What Is the Real Commercial Value of Space-Based Computing?
In 2026, space-based computing emerged as a major new direction for the commercial space industry. What problems is it meant to solve, and where is the industry heading? Hello Space has launched the Space-Based Computing Interview Series, speaking with leading Chinese companies to examine the real progress being made in this emerging field. Our guest…
-
Data No Longer Has to “Travel Back and Forth”: Chinese Team Achieves First Real-Time Hyperspectral Camera Analysis
A research team from Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) has developed an integrated hyperspectral imaging system capable of real-time analysis at the edge, overcoming a long-standing bottleneck in hyperspectral applications caused by massive data processing requirements. The breakthrough, led by academician Zhang Jun’s team at BIT, introduces a new on-chip spectral computing architecture that moves…
-
From Mineral Exploration to Disaster Monitoring: What Can Remote Sensing AI Do?
Can remote sensing AI provide professional insights and intelligent decision support for resource exploration, mine development and geological hazard monitoring? “AI cannot be discussed independently of observation,” an industry expert said when discussing intelligent remote sensing interpretation. Remote sensing AI must remain grounded in real-world operations rather than becoming a numbers game focused solely on…
-
From Carbon Emissions to Carbon Sinks: How Satellites Support Carbon Monitoring
As the world continues to pursue net-zero targets, carbon data is becoming an increasingly important foundation for climate governance, corporate emissions reduction, and ecosystem management. Countries need to quantify and assess greenhouse gas emissions more accurately. Companies need an ongoing understanding of emissions changes across their operations and associated facilities. Carbon markets and carbon projects…
-
When Vessels “Disappear” from the Map: How Multi-Source Satellite Data Can Help Detect Maritime Smuggling
In May 2026, conventional vessel-tracking maps showed major information gaps around the Strait of Hormuz. The gaps did not necessarily mean that the vessels had left the area. According to Windward, dark-vessel activity in and around the Strait increased by nearly 600% between April 19 and May 3. On May 5, its multi-source analysis identified…
-
Muon Space Shifts Strategy Toward Satellite Constellations Amid Rising Demand
Satellite manufacturer Muon Space said it is refocusing its business strategy on building constellations rather than one-off spacecraft, as analysts forecast rapid growth in the number of satellites in orbit over the coming decade. Chief Executive Jonny Dyer said the company already has about 20 satellites scheduled for launch within the next 20 months and…