Galaxia Expands Earth Observation with Simera Sense
Canadian space tech firm Galaxia has purchased the HyperScape100 hyperspectral imaging payload from Belgium's Simera Sense.
Canadian space technology company Galaxia has acquired a hyperspectral imaging payload from European optical provider Simera Sense. The purchase, announced September 3, 2026, is aimed at expanding Galaxia's Earth observation capabilities for commercial, civil, and defense customers.
The acquired HyperScape100 is a compact hyperspectral imager designed for modern small satellites. It allows mission operators to select 32 specific spectral bands from a library of 400 available bands. This enables customization for specific applications, with configurations that can be adapted during a mission's lifetime.
Payload Specifications and Flexibility
The key technical feature of the HyperScape100 is its configurable spectral analysis. Unlike standard multispectral systems, hyperspectral imaging captures data across hundreds of narrow wavelength bands. This provides detailed material identification and detects changes invisible to traditional imagers.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Spectral Band Selection | 32 user-selectable bands |
| Available Spectral Library | 400 bands |
| Design Focus | Size, weight, and power constraints of small satellites |
Galaxia CEO Arad Gharagozli stated the imager was "an excellent fit" for the company's plans. He cited its "performance, heritage and compact design" as key factors in the acquisition.
Strategic Expansion and Market Demand
Adding hyperspectral imaging represents a significant step in Galaxia's investment in advanced satellite technologies. The move will allow the company to support a broader range of applications. These include environmental monitoring, agriculture, natural resource management, maritime awareness, and defense.
Thys Cronje, Chief Commercial Officer at Simera Sense, said his company was pleased to support Galaxia's expansion. He noted Canada's space industry is building momentum with growing investment in sovereign satellite capabilities. "As more organisations look beyond traditional optical imagery, hyperspectral sensing is becoming an increasingly valuable capability," Cronje said.
Enabling Advanced Applications
The detailed spectral data from hyperspectral systems enables advanced analysis not possible with conventional imagery. Potential applications include assessing vegetation health, exploring for minerals, monitoring the environment, detecting pollution, analyzing water quality, and gathering defense intelligence.
The collaboration also highlights growing ties between the European and Canadian space sectors. It pairs Simera Sense's flight-proven optical technology with Galaxia's next-generation satellite platforms. Simera Sense, founded in 2018 and based in Belgium, serves over 60 clients worldwide with end-to-end solutions for small satellite imagers.
