Microsatellites in space, data security in order

Kuva Space has risen like a rocket – or should we say satellite – to become a European trendsetter in space technology. The Finnish company headquartered in Espoo builds microsatellites that image the Earth with hyperspectral cameras. Information security was wanted to be taken to a new level with ISO/IEC 27001 certification. Elmo was called in to help. 

Technology that sees more

It is best to start with what hyperspectral cameras are. CEO Jarkko Antila explains. 

The Earth can be imaged from space using four main methods: The largest volume is in so-called normal imaging, which produces information about what things look like. The second most advanced is radar technology, which tells us what shape things are. The third is thermal cameras and the fourth is hyperspectral cameras, which tell us what things are made of. 

The image data produced by Space’s satellites is processed into analytics for the environment and defense sectors, among others. Information is obtained for monitoring climate change, biodiversity, plant health, air pollution, security threats and food security. 

Our satellites are like terrestrial alarm clocks: they detect changes in large areas and warn of risks, Antila describes. 

ISO/IEC 27001 provides security and brings assurance 

The company’s goal is clear: by 2030, alongside the current two satellites, a constellation of up to 100 satellites is planned. The new premises will significantly increase production capacity – and at the same time, the importance of automation, data processing and information security will increase.

Kuva Space wanted ISO/IEC 27001 certification to strengthen its information security, especially in line with the requirements of the defense sector. 

Our customers ask for certification before cooperation can even begin. We have a lot of data, automation and now also production capacity, so it was clear that the system had to be documented, Antila says. 

Elmo was chosen as a partner for the certification process because of its experience and practical approach. 

We did not want to start interpreting the standards ourselves. We brought Elmo on board right away, because a project like this goes faster when the partner knows what they are doing.

The scope of the documentation surprised us; Elmo helped

The collaboration started in the fall of 2024 under Elmo’s leadership. In weekly meetings, the documentation was reviewed and a path towards auditing was built. Elmo was responsible for the structure and content; IT Director Daniel Landau led and resourced the project with Kuva Space at the helm. 

The certificate was obtained in early 2025 on the first attempt. Only one document update was required; otherwise the audit passed without remarks. Were there any surprises along the way? 

The scope of the documentation surprised us, however – and at the same time we were pleased that we did not go it alone. Hiring Elmo to help was the right decision. Now we can show our customers that we have a serious, audited system. It creates trust and a competitive advantage, Antila sums up.