Our work
Missions
Why we build missions
Every mission is how HSFL turns ideas into flight hardware. We develop, launch and operate small spacecraft from the Hawaiian Islands to accelerate the validation of new space technologies, advance engineering and science research for terrestrial and planetary missions, and give students hands-on training in all aspects of space missions, building toward a sustainable aerospace economy in Hawaiʻi.
Current missions
Missions in design
C3M
Advancing greenhouse gas detection and climate hazard monitoring with a compact, low-power infrared spectrometer on a 1U CubeSat, also supporting wildfire and volcanic hazard monitoring. Funded by NASA EPSCoR.
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NEUTRON-2
Measuring neutron and gamma-ray flux in low Earth orbit to improve our understanding of the space radiation environment, flying the next generation of neutron detectors from Arizona State University with the University Nanosatellite Program.
Learn moreCurrent missions · launching in 2027
Missions in development
LUNAR HyTI
A thermal infrared hyperspectral imager aboard Intuitive Machines' Altus-1, mapping molecular water and lunar mineralogy, including the farside, and detecting meteorite impact flashes. Launch is planned for the first quarter of 2027.
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HyTI-2
The next-generation Hyperspectral Thermal Imager: a cryogenically stabilized long-wave infrared payload with active thermal control and space-based edge processing, for Earth observation and space domain awareness.
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HITechSat-1
A rapidly integrable 3U platform for university CubeSat missions, presented at the 40th Annual AIAA/USU Conference on Small Satellites in 2026.
Visit sitePast missions
WB-57 Solar Eclipse
Imagers and spectrometers flown on NASA's WB-57 aircraft to observe the solar corona during the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse, with Dr. Shadia Habbal's team at the UH Institute for Astronomy.
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Hyperspectral Thermal Imager (HyTI)
A technology demonstration of high spatial and spectral resolution long-wave infrared imaging from a 6U CubeSat. HyTI was delivered, launched and deployed into orbit from the International Space Station.
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Neutron-1 Mission
Developed by HSFL with a small neutron detector from Arizona State University, built for the LunaH-Map mission, to measure low-energy neutrons in low Earth orbit.
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HiakaSat-1 Mission
Under the LEONIDAS program, HiakaSat was to demonstrate HSFL's capability for satellite design, launch and operation, supporting the ORS-4 launch with hyperspectral remote sensing.
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LEONIDAS Rocket Launch
Aimed to increase access to space for DoD, NASA and university payloads, with HSFL as prime contractor for demonstration launches from the Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility on a low-cost launch system.
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