At Kuva Space, continuous learning and development are an important part of our culture. We are proud to celebrate two colleagues whose doctoral journeys reflect both scientific excellence and strong personal dedication: Maria Hieta, who recently completed her PhD, and Alba German, who is now preparing for the final stage of her PhD.

Although their research topics are very different, Maria and Alba share a passion for applying science to real-world challenges. Their stories also reflect something that matters deeply at Kuva Space: flexibility, trust, and a supportive work community that encourages growth.

Applying research expertise at Kuva Space

Maria Hieta works at Kuva Space as the Satellite Product Assurance and Quality Assurance Manager and has been with the company for 2.5 years. In her role, she helps ensure that satellite missions have the best possible chance of success by supporting quality throughout the design, manufacturing, and testing process.

“I make sure that satellites are designed to be reliable, that materials and components are carefully tested, and that the many steps of the process are documented and thoroughly reviewed.”

Alba German, who joined Kuva Space three months ago as a Technical Specialist, works in remote sensing data. She acts as a link between data analytics, product development, marketing, and customer needs. She works closely with clients to understand their requirements and help create tailored solutions. She enjoys the versatility of her work and the opportunity to connect scientific expertise with practical applications.

“I really enjoy working in an interdisciplinary team, for example, with marketing, scientists, engineers, and physicists.”

From doctoral research to real-world impact

Maria recently completed her Doctor of Science (Technology) degree at Aalto University. Her thesis focused on improving atmospheric humidity measurements on Mars as part of research carried out at the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Her work included calibrating the humidity sensor onboard NASA’s Perseverance rover, as well as revising the previous calibration of REMS-H onboard the Curiosity rover, thereby improving a 13-year dataset of Martian surface measurements.

“My thesis presents new laboratory calibrations and an improved calibration methodology in order to obtain near-surface relative humidity measurements that are more accurate and reliable than previously possible.”

Alba’s doctoral research focuses on monitoring and predicting algal blooms in inland waters. In her work, she developed tools for water quality monitoring using satellite and field data. Her expertise is highly relevant at Kuva Space, where aquaculture and water quality applications are an important area of development.

“My results represent a novel methodological contribution to understanding and predicting algal blooms. They also demonstrate the potential of remote sensing and predictive modeling for the design of early warning systems to support water resource management and protect public health.”

Both Maria and Alba demonstrate how doctoral research can create practical value by integrating deep scientific knowledge into product development, customer work, and innovation.

A supportive and flexible work community

For Maria, one of the best parts of working at Kuva Space has been the flexibility to balance her work with her dissertation. She says Kuva Space was very flexible with the arrangement, and she felt strongly supported during the final stages of her PhD. 

“Many colleagues came to watch my public defense, and I received a lot of encouragement.” 

Maria also appreciates not only Kuva Space’s mission to make the planet more sustainable, but also its values and people-first culture. As she puts it, “Kuva Space represents values that I can stand behind. We want to make the world a better place.” 

Alba also highlights flexibility as one of the reasons she enjoys working at Kuva Space. Based in Spain, she has been able to work remotely while staying closely connected to the rest of the team.

“Kuva Space has been very flexible and allowed me to work remotely from my home in Spain.”

She says the company is well prepared for remote work and that collaboration works smoothly across locations. She feels the team maintains a close and approachable culture, making it easy to stay connected and work together effectively. She also values Kuva Space's openness and colleagues' willingness to share knowledge, help one another, and work together toward common goals.

Growing together at Kuva Space

Maria and Alba are excellent examples of the expertise, curiosity, and commitment that drive Kuva Space forward. Their journeys show how valuable continuous learning can be for both individuals and the company as a whole.

We are proud to support our people in different stages of their careers and proud to be a workplace where flexibility, development, and meaningful work go hand in hand.

Congratulations to Maria Hieta on completing her PhD, and best of luck to Alba German as she approaches the final stage of hers.

Finally, we also asked which three adjectives would best describe Kuva Space, and here is what Maria and Alba had to say about us.