Successful launch of forest management satellite for future EO constellation

IHI-SAT2 Hyperspectral Satellite. Photo courtesy Kongsberg NanoAvionics

Kongsberg NanoAvionics and IHI Corporation have announced the successful launch and two-way communications with IHI-SAT2 shortly after orbital deployment. The hyperspectral 6U CubeSat for advancing forest management is envisioned to be part of IHI’s future Earth observation satellite constellation. The satellite lifted off on 28 November 2025 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, United States, aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-15 mission. Shortly after spacecraft deployment in orbit, NanoAvionics has confirmed successful two-way communications with IHI-SAT2.

Built by NanoAvionics for IHI Corporation and IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd., the ultra-compact satellite will acquire high-resolution hyperspectral images of various areas on Earth. Providing high-quality data at a fraction of traditional mission costs, it offers an efficient tool for advancing forest management and image analysis technologies at NeXT FOREST (NeXT FOREST Corporation, Ltd.), and for supporting the creation of carbon credits. NeXT FOREST is a joint venture between IHI and Sumitomo Forestry Company Limited.

In particular, the hyperspectral images will enable wide-area, high-precision forest tree species identification, analysis of growth conditions, and signs of disease. Compared to conventional optical imagery, the hyperspectral camera aboard the satellite can capture more detailed data across finer wavelength bands. 

NanoAvionics supplied the complete small satellite solution, integrating IHI’s hyperspectral payload of choice, and supporting environmental testing, launch, and early orbit operations. 

“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 & Defense Business Area, IHI Corporation.

Atle Wøllo, 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.

“Earning continued trust of leading Japanese technology and research organisations such as IHI Corporation is a strong testament to the quality, reliability and engineering standards of our satellite platforms.”

Through this mission, IHI also aims to advance its capabilities in hyperspectral observation, data analysis, and satellite operations. And with the knowledge gained from this mission, IHI aims to promote the development of other satellite data utilisation businesses and expand applications across a wide range of fields.