IHI SAT2 hyperspectral CubeSat enters orbit to support forest monitoring and carbon data

by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Dec 12, 2025

IHI-SAT2, a hyperspectral 6U CubeSat built by Kongsberg NanoAvionics for Japan's IHI Corporation, has reached orbit and established two-way communications shortly after deployment from a SpaceX Falcon 9 on the Transporter-15 rideshare mission launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on 28 November 2025. The mission is intended as a step toward IHI's planned Earth observation constellation, focused on forest monitoring and related applications.

The ultra-compact satellite will collect high-resolution hyperspectral imagery across multiple regions on Earth, supplying detailed data to support forest management and image analysis activities at NeXT FOREST Corporation, a joint venture between IHI and Sumitomo Forestry Company Limited. By generating rich spectral datasets at lower mission cost than traditional platforms, IHI-SAT2 is designed to underpin development of new analysis methods and services linked to forest assets and carbon credit schemes.

IHI-SAT2's hyperspectral sensor will enable wide-area, fine-scale identification of tree species, as well as assessments of growth conditions and indications of disease that are harder to detect with conventional optical imaging. Compared with standard optical cameras, the satellite's hyperspectral payload measures light over narrower, more numerous wavelength bands, providing information that can be used to distinguish vegetation types and detect subtle changes in forest health.

Kongsberg NanoAvionics has delivered a complete small satellite solution for the mission, built on its 6U CubeSat bus and integrating the IHI-selected hyperspectral payload along with support for environmental testing, launch preparation, and early orbit operations. The company notes that the flight continues its record of establishing first contact on all of its more than 50 satellite missions to date, reinforcing the performance and reliability of its small-satellite platform.

"With IHI-SAT2 now in orbit, we can accelerate our ability to acquire and analyse hyperspectral satellite data independently. This mission represents a key milestone toward building a sustainable forest management and carbon credit ecosystem," said Yoshifumi Asakura, General Manager of Space Systems Business Development Office, Aero Engine, Space and Defense Business Area, IHI Corporation.

Atle Wollo, CEO of Kongsberg NanoAvionics, said: "The IHI-SAT2 mission demonstrates how industrial players are increasingly using small satellites as strategic assets to create data-driven value on Earth. By combining IHI's engineering expertise with our flight-proven satellite technology, this mission showcases how hyperspectral imaging can directly support independent climate action and the sustainable management of natural resources."

Through IHI-SAT2, IHI aims to strengthen its capabilities in hyperspectral observation, data analysis, and satellite operations, using the mission to refine techniques for handling and exploiting hyperspectral datasets. Knowledge gained from operating this CubeSat is expected to feed into future satellite-based data services and broaden the range of sectors where IHI can apply space-derived information, including applications beyond forestry.