Finland Utilises AI Satellite to Monitor Toxic Algae
Key Points
- Finland is utilising a new AI satellite to track toxic algae from space
- The Finnish Environmental Institute is collaborating with tech startup Kuva Space
- Kuva’s hyperspectral sensors can analyse a wider light spectrum than traditional sensors
- The technology can track cyanobacteria and decode what’s driving their spread
- Kuva plans to have 100 satellites in orbit by 2030
- The technology has various use cases, including monitoring crops and detecting chemical leaks
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Siôn Geschwindt
Introduction to Toxic Algae Tracking
Finland is taking a significant step in monitoring the health of its waters by utilising a new AI satellite to track toxic algae. The Finnish Environmental Institute, also known as Skye, is working in conjunction with tech startup Kuva Space to achieve this goal. The pilot test will harness Kuva’s hyperspectral sensors, which have the capability to analyse a wider light spectrum than traditional sensors.
The company’s probe can read the spectral signatures of almost any material on Earth, including toxic cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. These tiny organisms proliferate in Finland’s lakes and seas during summer and can be harmful, and even fatal, to humans and other animals in high concentrations.
The Challenge of Monitoring Cyanobacteria
Cyanobacteria are visually indistinguishable from other, harmless algal blooms, making it challenging to monitor them currently. The most accurate method of monitoring is to take water samples, which is time-consuming and expensive. Kuva and Skye are exploring a potentially better alternative by training AI models on hyperspectral satellite imagery, as well as water samples and insights from biochemical and genetic research.
Over time, the algorithms are expected to become more accurate at tracking cyanobacteria and decoding what’s driving their spread. According to Jenni Attila, leading researcher and group manager at Skye, the partnership with Kuva Space is exciting because it enables the exploration of the spectral range to identify which algae species are present and assess their biomass.
Kuva’s Satellite Technology
Kuva launched its first satellite, Hyperfield-1A, and plans to have 100 satellites in orbit by 2030. The probes will analyse the chemical compositions of natural and manmade materials from orbit. In addition to spotting harmful algal blooms, the technology can be tuned in orbit for various other use cases, including optimising sensors to monitor crops, detecting chemical leaks, and tracking aquatic species and water quality.
Source: thenextweb.com