HyperScout M operational on the ISS and delivering data for the IMAGIN-e mission

HyperScout M is officially active and operational on the International Space Station. Launched in March 2024 onboard Thales Alenia Space‘s payload for the IMAGIN-e mission, cosine’s most compact hyperspectral imager has begun delivering its first images from orbit, marking an important step forward for space-based Earth observation and on-orbit AI processing.

Thales Alenia Space is working on remote sensing and on-orbit computing to address crucial challenges facing our planet’s sustainability. HyperScout M has been selected for this mission, to capture detailed hyperspectral information across hundreds of wavelengths, revealing features invisible to traditional optical sensors. cosine’s HyperScout M produces Analysis Ready Data (ARD) in orbit, that feed the AI-enabled processor from Thales Alenia Space. Hence, the acquired data is analyzed directly in orbit, reducing bandwidth requirements and accelerating the delivery of meaningful insights.

Image of Mount Fuji, Japan, acquired by IMAGIN-e hyperspectral camera © Thales Alenia Space

This capability is especially crucial for climate and environmental applications, where fast and intelligent data turnaround can support better decision-making on Earth. As done for other operational and technology development missions, the HyperScout platform enables small, smart next-gen remote sensing missions.

Up and running
Mounted externally on the ISS within the IMAGIN-e payload, HyperScout M captures hyperspectral data that is processed by the payload directly in space using onboard AI, enabling fast, edge-level analytics without relying on heavy downlink. This capability supports a wide range of environmental and climate-monitoring applications, showing how compact smart sensors can deliver high-value insights from low Earth orbit.

The mission’s team is currently reviewing the first datasets as the mission continues to showcase the potential of cosine’s Scout product line of instruments for future Earth observation and scientific missions.

About cosine
cosine is a leading worldwide company in the development of space instrumentation, such as Silicon Pore Optics for astronomy and remote sensing solutions with onboard analytics for Earth Observation and planetary science. cosine combines physics and technology to bring out-of-the-box solutions to its clients. cosine has been developing and delivering innovative measurement systems for space and industrial applications since 1998. The company operates more than 1,000 m2 of cleanrooms and high-tech assembly facilities to build and test the systems we produce for customers at our headquarters in Sassenheim, The Netherlands and at subsidiaries in Berlin, Germany and Benevento, Italy.