SA's Kanyini satellite delivers first images from space

South Australia’s pioneering cube satellite, dubbed Kanyini, has delivered its first images from space, marking a significant milestone for the mission.

The Kanyini mission is Australia’s first state-owned satellite and is a joint initiative between the South Australian Government, the SmartSat Cooperative Research Centre (SmartSat CRC), Inovor Technologies and Myriota. Deployed on SpaceX’s Transporter-11 mission in August 2024, Kanyini has spent around 200 days in low Earth orbit, closely monitored by the mission control team at Inovor Technologies — who have been working through commissioning of the satellite’s systems, confirming that the solar panels and batteries are functional and X-band radio communications are all operational.

A number of preliminary images have been collected during Kanyini’s on-orbit commissioning phase, demonstrating the depth of data the satellite will be able to provide once fully operational. The first processed images capture high-resolution views of South Australian regions, including Kangaroo Island, Yorke Peninsula and Adelaide.

The vast amount of data behind each image allows them to be processed to reveal infrared details normally invisible to the human eye, which can be used in monitoring crop health, vegetation density, and changes in inland and coastal water conditions. The HyperScout 2 hyperspectral imager capturing the views is a three-in-one instrument that combines hyperspectral and thermal imaging with high-level data processing and artificial intelligence capabilities. The satellite also features an Internet of Things (IoT) payload developed and manufactured in South Australia by Myriota, enabling Kanyini to capture both imagery and IoT data — such as groundwater levels and pipeline condition — from a single satellite.

Over the coming months, the mission team will continue to progress the commissioning and calibration process of the satellite’s systems, ensuring its functions and data output meet the highest scientific standards. Once fully operational, Kanyini will deliver critical space data to support future research projects by government and research institutions, particularly in the areas of sustainability and climate impacts.

“From monitoring environmental changes to supporting emergency services, Kanyini’s data will provide vital insights that will help improve lives and drive innovation across multiple industries,” said SA Minister for Defence & Space Industries Stephen Mullighan.