Tracking Earth’s Biodiversity from Space

The initiative seeks to make conservation a top investment priority. A key part of this project is the "Lemu Nge" satellite, Chile's first privately-owned satellite, named after the Mapudungun term for "Forest Eye."

Developed in Lithuania, this 6U nanosatellite, about the size of a shoebox, is equipped with advanced hyperspectral imaging technology. It is designed to monitor Earth's ecosystems, covering an area of 51 billion hectares, collecting crucial data to quantify the environmental value of these ecosystems.

Lemu’s goal is to be responsible for financing the protection of 1% of our planet’s land by 2023, connecting companies and individuals to carefully selected and verified conservation projects. However, tracking and measuring the impact of those projects requires more robust evidence-based approach that gathers data from space and on the ground.

Milestone for Lemu Nge
Earlier this year, the Lemu Nge mission hit a major milestone when its hyperspectral camera passed its final test at NanoAvionics' facility. This rigorous test ensured that critical components—including the optics, image sensor, processing unit, payload controller, and downlink system—could withstand the satellite's harsh environmental testing. These simulations mimic the challenging conditions of space, ensuring the satellite's resilience and functionality for its upcoming mission.

Launch and Early Success
On August 16th, 2024, Lemu Nge was successfully launched into space aboard the SpaceX Transporter-11 mission. Just days later, the satellite transmitted its first images back to Earth. These early images mark a major success for the project and will be crucial for guiding conservation and restoration programs. The data collected will help identify key plant species in forests, wetlands, and underwater macroalgae forests, as well as monitor changes in land use, providing valuable insights for sustainable ecosystem management.