India-based space data analytics firm, Suhora Technologies, has entered a strategic partnership with US based Orbital Sidekick (OSK) to commercially introduce high-resolution hyperspectral satellite services spanning the visible to short-wave infrared (VNIR–SWIR) spectrum in the Indian market.
Under the partnership, Suhora will incorporate OSK’s hyperspectral imagery into its flagship platform, SPADE, which is a subscription-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) offering. SPADE currently provides access to multi-sensor satellite data, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), optical, and thermal imagery. Adding hyperspectral data will allow SPADE users to perform more precise material detection and classification across various sectors.
Use cases include geological and mineralogical analysis, such as mineral classification, rare earth mapping, and petrological studies, along with environmental monitoring, including methane leak detection and oil spill thickness assessment, among other strategic applications.
Further, Orbital Sidekick’s sensors capture hyperspectral imagery across up to 472 contiguous spectral bands with a spatial resolution of 8.3 metres. While publicly available hyperspectral data from missions such as Germany’s EnMAP, Italy’s PRISMA, and NASA’s EMIT have been beneficial, OSK’s technology offers higher spatial resolution and more frequent revisit cycles. Additionally, OSK’s capability to cover the full VNIR–SWIR range with 472 bands sets it apart from other commercial providers.
Furthermore, the data will be delivered through OSK’s GHOSt constellation, which includes five hyperspectral satellites. This constellation enhances revisit rates and provides one of the most comprehensive commercial hyperspectral data services currently accessible.
