On November 11, 2023, the Polish Intuition-1 satellite, developed by Gliwice-based KP Labs, was launched into Earth orbit. Its main purpose is to demonstrate advanced hyperspectral imaging and autonomous data processing on board the satellite. After a year of operation, Intuition-1 has provided valuable information that has applications in many fields.
Hyperspectral Imaging Technology
Hyperspectral imaging is a technique that involves capturing light in multiple narrow spectral bands, covering ranges invisible to the human eye. Unlike traditional RGB imaging, which operates with three broad bands (red, green and blue), the system used in Intuition-1 uses as many as 192 spectral bands. This allows for detailed analysis of the Earth’s surface, identifying different materials, vegetation types or minerals.
On board Intuition-1 is the Leopard data processing unit, designed by KP Labs. Leopard uses artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to autonomously process the collected data directly in orbit. This significantly reduces the amount of information sent to Earth, speeding up the analysis process and reducing transmission costs.
Applications and Practical Results of the Mission
During the first year of the mission, Intuition-1 provided images from various regions of the world, including Poland, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and Utah Lake in the US. Hyperspectral imaging enabled monitoring vegetation density, performing urban analysis or assessing landforms. The Leopard DPU detected the presence of clouds in real time, allowing only processed and relevant information to be transmitted to Earth.
The success of the Intuition-1 mission opens up new possibilities for autonomous data processing in space. Technologies developed by KP Labs will find application in future missions, such as the European Space Agency’s M-Argo, which aims to study asteroids. As part of the mission, the Leopard DPU will enable data analysis directly on board the probe, accelerating the recognition of asteroid surface features and the identification of raw materials.
Intuition-1 is a groundbreaking project in Polish satellite technology, which during its first year of operation provided valuable data and confirmed the effectiveness of autonomous information processing in orbit. The experience gained during this mission provides a solid foundation for future endeavors in Earth observation and space exploration.
To learn more about the Intuition-1 satellite, we encourage you to watch the video below:
Sources: EO Portal, SPACE AGENCY, KP Labs
