HyperScout view of Netherlands

The HyperScout imager on ESA’s GomX-4B CubeSat combines multiple image frames like these (shown here with false colour) to produce hyperspectral views of its target, combining more colours than the human eye can perceive to yield much richer environmental information than standard optical satellite acquisitions. Each line making up a HyperScout image is acquired in a different spectral band. The imager takes advantage of the onward orbital motion of its host CubeSat so that these lines overlap, to build up a complete hyperspectral ‘image cube’. In April 2020 HyperScout acquired a spectral data set over the Netherlands. The sky is calm, reflecting what is happening on the ground with the COVID-19 lockdown, with no contrails in sight. The light reflected from the Dutch land has been collected without any obstructions, resulting in clear and complete images.