Best Practice: Leveraging Microsatellite Innovation for Global Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Space Development — The Case of Hokkaido University
Introduction: Microsatellites for Public Good
Hokkaido University has emerged as a global leader in the development and utilization of 50-kg class microsatellites for Earth observation. Operating under the belief that space technologies must serve the public good, the university has built a track record of successful satellite missions such as RISING, RISING-2, and RISESAT. These missions contribute to disaster resilience, environmental monitoring, and sustainable agriculture—particularly in regions where access to high-resolution and real-time data remains limited.
This approach aligns with the UN-SPIDER mandate to promote space-based information for disaster risk reduction, especially in developing countries.
Technical Innovation: Hyperspectral Imaging from Space
RISESAT, launched in 2019, represents a breakthrough in hyperspectral Earth observation. Its onboard sensor—the High-Precision Telescope (HPT)—employs Liquid Crystal Tunable Filter (LCTF) technology to scan 630 narrow spectral bands across the visible and near-infrared regions, achieving 3.7 m spatial resolution. This allows for the detection of subtle changes in vegetation health, water pollution, atmospheric conditions, and disaster indicators.
Unlike conventional systems with fixed bands, the RISESAT sensor enables post-launch spectral selection, significantly enhancing flexibility and mission adaptability.
Figure. Comparison image captured by RISESAT HPT
Applications: From Precision Agriculture to Typhoon Monitoring
The hyperspectral data from RISESAT has enabled diverse real-world applications. In agriculture, the system has been used to diagnose crop growth stages and predict yields with over 90% accuracy—proven through collaborations in Japan and Southeast Asia, such as palm oil yield monitoring in Malaysia. In the field of disaster risk reduction, the satellite’s rapid pointing capability supports the 3D analysis of typhoons and cloud structures, offering critical insights into storm intensity and trajectory.
These capabilities illustrate the transformative role of high-frequency, narrow-band imaging in early warning and mitigation strategies.
Figure. Drone image from Malaysia field study + diagram of typhoon 3D cloud reconstruction using multi-angle imaging.
International Outreach: A Platform for the Global South
Through its role in the Asia Microsatellite Consortium, Hokkaido University shares its platform with over 100 countries, including those with very limited space budgets. The university operates the world’s first end-to-end on-demand satellite imaging service that allows users to submit requests, track tasking progress, and receive data—accessible even via smartphones. This democratizes access to Earth observation and enhances the capabilities of local disaster management agencies.
In March 2022, Hokkaido University became the first Japanese university to sign an international MOU directly aimed at operational satellite cooperation, opening new avenues for multilateral collaboration.
Figure. Diagram showing the on-demand satellite tasking process or image of a user interface; photo from Asia Microsatellite Consortium meeting.
Conclusion: A Model for Inclusive Space Innovation
Hokkaido University’s microsatellite-based Earth observation system represents a best practice in making cutting-edge space technology accessible, responsive, and effective for global disaster resilience. Through partnerships, open-access systems, and international outreach, the university sets a precedent for how academic institutions can lead inclusive innovation in the era of “New Space.”
UN-SPIDER welcomes the integration of this model into broader international efforts to strengthen space-based disaster risk reduction, especially in regions with limited technical capacity.
