IPERLITE: a hyperspectral satellite mission for sharper Earth observation images
SpaceX successfully placed a new hyperspectral satellite for VITO into orbit today. The launch took place from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. This flight marks an important step forward towards better and sharper Earth observation imagery from space.
Belgian collaboration for a European mission
IPERLITE is a mission led by VITO in collaboration with ESA, BELSPO and Aerospacelab. The Belgian satellite NAHLA, built on Aerospacelab’s VSP-150 platform, carries advanced technology from several Belgian partners, including AMOS, DELTATEC, imec and SPACEBEL. At the heart of the mission is CSIMBA, a hyperspectral camera capable of capturing images with a spatial resolution of 20 metres.
Small satellite, strong performance
IPERLITE demonstrates that compact satellites are becoming increasingly powerful. At an altitude of just 510 km, CSIMBA collects high-sharpness hyperspectral data across an 80-km-wide swath. Thanks to innovative techniques such as digital Time Delay Integration (TDI), the mission can deliver high-quality images even with a small optical aperture.
With fast onboard data processing and a daily downlink capacity of nearly 19 GB, the satellite supplies up to 17,500 km² of hyperspectral data per day.
VITO’s role: quality, accuracy and impact
IPERLITE once again highlights VITO’s contribution to the European space ecosystem. With our in-depth expertise in remote sensing and the calibration of hyperspectral sensor systems, we ensure that even small satellites can produce scientifically reliable data.
VITO leads:
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Calibration and validation of all satellite data
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Data processing and quality monitoring
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Scientific assessment of performance and usability
This guarantees that IPERLITE data remains compatible with larger missions such as PRISMA and EnMAP, and can be used for research on environment, agriculture, climate and water quality.
“We are bringing the performance of large hyperspectral missions to a smaller, more flexible satellite. The combination of advanced technology and VITO’s calibration expertise makes this possible.”
— Dr Iskander Benhadj, Team Lead Space, Remote Sensing Systems & Technology, VITO
What’s next?
Now that the satellite is in space, the in-orbit testing phase begins. Once the instruments are validated, IPERLITE will deliver daily hyperspectral images that support better policymaking and scientific insight. The mission also serves as a technological forerunner for future Earth observation missions.
