Proven on Earth. Perfected for Space.

Scientific-grade hyperspectral imaging instruments delivering calibrated, long-term quantitative Earth observation data from orbit.

For institutional Earth observation missions, public authorities and commercial operators who require trustworth data - not just imagery.

Contact the Space Team

Satellite view Image of a coastal city with roads, buildings, and vegetation, showcasing hyperspectral imaging from the stratosphere

‍

Excellence across Lab, Field & Air - Ready for Orbit

For more than 25 years, HySpex instruments have defined the benchmark for hyperspectral imaging in laboratory, field, airborne, and research applications worldwide. With HySpex Space, this proven foundation is systematically extended to orbital Earth observation missions.

Rather than starting from clean‑sheet designs, HySpex Space instruments are built on well‑understood optical architectures, detector concepts, and calibration methodologies, enabling a controlled and low‑risk transition from Earth‑based platforms to space.

HySpex Space addresses missions where data credibility, calibration traceability, and long‑term stability are mission‑critical.

‍

Space-Grade Hyperspectral Technology

Pushbroom VNIR and SWIR hyperspectral architectures
High spectral fidelity and radiometric stability
Thermally stable, space-compatible optical designs
Calibration-driven system engineering
Architecture continuity from lab to orbit

HySpex space technology is developed to meet the requirements of both institutional science missions and commercial Earth observation platforms, where data quality and traceability are essential.

Engineering confidence is built on disciplined, ECSS‑aligned verification and decades of hyperspectral imaging experience in some of the most demanding environments.

To support these objectives, we operate an ISO Class 7 cleanroom at our Oslo facility, equipped with a thermal vacuum chamber (TVAC).

Maintaining key capabilities in-house enhances development efficiency and flexibility, while our partnership-based approach ensures access to specialized test infrastructure.

For HySpex, verification and testing are not discrete milestones, but an integral part of the engineering process—refined over decades across multiple platforms. For our customers, this translates into a controlled and measurable reduction of mission risk prior to flight.

Thermal vacuum chamber labeled S-CUBE inside a cleanroom with pipes and control panel in a lab setting.

‍

Application-Driven Sensor Design

HySpex Space follows an application‑driven design philosophy, defining instrument architectures by identifying the viable operating region between SSD, GSD, and SNR.

Designs that maximize individual parameters but fail at system level are deliberately avoided. Only configurations delivering stable, interpretable, and repeatable data products are pursued.

‍

Reference Instrument Classes

The HyperNOR family represents validated operating points within the hyperspectral trade space. Each system illustrates a reference mission class, not a fixed catalogue product.

Trade-off triangle with SNR, GSD, and SSD vertices, showing HySpex HyperNOR models balancing signal quality.

HyperNOR S-1280

GSD‑driven · SWIR
‍
Surface materials & composition

HyperNOR V-3600 N

GSD‑driven · VNIR
‍
Land, urban & infrastructure monitoring

HyperNOR Methane

SNR‑driven · SWIR

Methane & gas monitoring

‍

HySpex as a Mission Partner

HySpex Space acts as a risk‑reducing instrument partner throughout the mission lifecycle — from early concept definition to operational exploitation.

‍

Phase 0 / A Support

Mission feasibility studies, trade‑space evaluation, and definition of the optimal balance between SSD, GSD, and SNR.

Predictable Performance

Heritage‑driven architectures with well‑characterized behaviour and reduced development and validation risk.

Calibration-Driven Engineering

Calibration concepts treated as a system driver, enabling traceable and defensible data products.

Institutional Compatability

Payload design and development aligned with institutional procurement, verification, and mission assurance standards.

‍

Pushbroom Architecture as a Mission Decision

HySpex Space instruments are based exclusively on pushbroom hyperspectral architectures, as they provide the only proven approach for achieving radiometrically consistent and quantitatively reliable hyperspectral images from orbit.

‍

Simultaneous Spectral Acquisition

All spectral channels are acquired at the same time, avoiding temporal spectral mixing and correction artefacts.

Radiometric Stability

Superior signal‑to‑noise ratio and long‑term calibration stability, supporting quantitative retrieval over mission lifetime.

Quantitative EO Focus

Designed for scientific and operational Earth observation, not for visualisation or compactness‑driven concepts.

‍

Two researchers in cleanroom suits standing next to a cart with a model of a HyperNOR HySpex hyperspectral camera in a sterile room.

Built on Proven Hyperspectral Heritage

25+ years of hyperspectral instrument development
Trusted by leading research institutions worldwide
Experience across airborne, near‑space, and satellite programs
European engineering and manufacturing excellence

This heritage provides a solid foundation for low‑risk space instrument development and long‑term mission support.

Institutional Heritage & Cooperation

HySpex hyperspectral technologies and calibration concepts are being matured, validated, and adapted for space through ongoing cooperation with institutional space programs and public research initiatives.
‍
These activities ensure alignment with the technical, programmatic, and procurement requirements of long‑term Earth observation missions, while supporting progressive risk reduction from laboratory heritage to space application.

European Space Agency (ESA) — Technology maturation and validation activities supported through General Support Technology Programme (GSTP) and InCubed.
Norwegian Space Agency (NOSA) — National space technology development and hyperspectral competence building.

References to institutional programs describe technology development, validation, and study activities. They do not imply endorsement, qualification, or procurement of commercial products.

‍

Proven on Earth. Perfected for Space.

Excellence across Lab, Field & Air - Ready for Orbit

Space-Grade Hyperspectral Technology

Application-Driven Sensor Design