Another satellite built by “Kongsberg NanoAvionics” has reached space – to monitor forest health and support the development of green credits
A “Kongsberg NanoAvionics” small satellite, “IHI-SAT2”, designed for global forest monitoring and the advancement of green credit initiatives, has successfully reached Earth’s orbit. The satellite was launched into space on 28 November from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, as part of the SpaceX “Transporter-15” mission. Shortly after separating from the rocket’s second stage, the “NanoAvionics” mission control centre in Vilnius established a stable two-way communication link with “IHI-SAT2”, confirming its successful operation.
The satellite was manufactured on behalf of Japan’s “IHI Corporation” and “IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd.” and is part of the “NeXT FOREST” programme, undertaken by “IHI” in collaboration with “Sumitomo Forestry Company Limited”. Its onboard hyperspectral camera captures imagery across an exceptionally wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing precise identification of plant species, analysis of forest condition changes, and detection of stress or disease indicators. Such data provide invaluable insights for sustainable forestry practices and the development of environmental financial mechanisms.
It is particularly encouraging that “IHI-SAT2” was fully assembled and tested in Lithuania – at the “NanoAvionics” facility in Vilnius, from which the entire mission is also being coordinated. This marks the eleventh satellite launched by the company into space this year. Since commencing operations in 2014, “NanoAvionics” has already deployed more than fifty satellites into orbit, supporting climate monitoring, science, communications, and industrial projects worldwide.
The experience gained from this mission will contribute to further refining hyperspectral Earth observation and satellite operational processes, while also opening opportunities to broaden the use of satellite data across environmental and industrial domains.
“Kongsberg NanoAvionics” is the first Lithuanian space technology company and one of the global leaders in small satellite development. Its satellite platforms and mission services are employed by organisations such as NASA, ESA, “Thales Alenia Space”, MIT and many others across more than fifty countries. Over two hundred highly skilled specialists in Lithuania, the United States, and the United Kingdom are shaping a bold, modern, and globally engaged Lithuanian space industry.
