Sporadic ocean color events with characteristic spectra, in particular algal blooms, call for quick delivery of high-resolution remote sensing data for further analysis. Motivated by this, we present the mission design for HYPerspectral Smallsat for Ocean observation (HYPSO-1), a 6U CubeSat at 500 km orbital altitude hosting a custom-built pushbroom hyperspectral imager with wavelengths 387–801 nm at 3.33 nm bandpass and a swath width of 70 km. The imager’s expected signal-to-noise ratio is characterized for typical open ocean water-leaving radiance which can be flexibly increased by binning pixels. Using geometric principles, the satellite shall execute a slew maneuver during a scan to induce greater overlap in the pixels with a goal to enable better than 100 m spatial resolution. Since high-dimensional hyperspectral data need to be transmitted over limited space-to-ground communications, we have designed a modular FPGA-based onboard image processing architecture that significantly reduces the data size without losing important spatial-spectral information. We justify the concept with a simulated scenario where HYPSO-1 first collects numerous hyperspectral images of a 40 km by 40 km coastal area in Norway and aims to immediately transfer these to nearby ground stations. Using CCSDS123 lossless compression, it takes about one orbital revolution to obtain the complete data product when considering overhead in satellite bus communications and less than 10 min without the overhead. It is shown that even better latency can be achieved with more advanced onboard processing algorithms.

Traditional tools and methodologies for mesoscale observation of oceanographic phenomena are limited by under-sampling and data latency. In this article we evaluate three different scenario variants of an architecture for how heterogeneous sensor nodes can be integrated with satellite remote sensing. Independent space and marine sensing platforms are interconnected either directly or by means of a ground-based mission control center responsible for data processing, relay, and coordination of the assets. A wave-propelled unmanned surface vehicle (USV) persistently collects in situ data of the targeted phenomenon. In two variants of the architecture, a dedicated small satellite acts as a sensor node, a data processing facility and a communication node. We have used a System-of-Systems (SoS) modeling approach coupled with operational simulations in different locations on Earth, in order to support the proposed methodology and investigate quantitatively the reduction the data latency to end-users. Through a combination of field experiments and simulations we estimate how the different scenarios perform with respect to providing remote sensing data that are used to create a measurement and navigation plan for the autonomous vessel.

Digital engineering is increasingly introduced for managing and supporting the development of systems for space. However, few academic teams have the competency needed to manage projects using digi...

Assembly, Integration, and Verification/Testing (AIV or AIT) is a standardized guideline for projects to ensure consistency throughout spacecraft development phases. The goal of establishing such a guideline is to assist in planning and executing a successful mission. While AIV campaigns can help reduce risk, they can also take years to complete and be prohibitively costly for smaller new space programs, such as university CubeSat teams. This manuscript outlines a strategic approach to the traditional space industry AIV campaign through demonstration with a 6U CubeSat mission. The HYPerspectral Smallsat for Ocean observation (HYPSO-1) mission was developed by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s (NTNU) SmallSatellite Laboratory in conjunction with NanoAvionics (the platform provider). The approach retains critical milestones of traditional AIV, outlines tailored testing procedures for the custom-built hyperspectral imager, and provides suggestions for faster development. A critical discussion of de-risking and design-driving decisions, such as imager configuration and machining custom parts, highlights the consequences that helped, or alternatively hindered, development timelines. This AIV approach has proven key for HYPSO-1’s success, defining further development within the lab (e.g., already with the second-generation, HYPSO-2), and can be scaled to other small spacecraft programs throughout the new space industry.

There is an increased complexity in applied research projects that demand more researcher skills, especially in managing the research project and interdisciplinary work. Researchers receive little training in how to manage such projects, yet most manage to deliver project results. There is a tradition of project management and systems engineering which benefits complex development projects in industrial settings. Despite the apparent benefits, we found limited application of either project management or systems engineering practices in academia. Furthermore, we found barriers to applying these practices in the first place, such as a lack of clear guidance or tools for their execution. A case study based on 18 semi‐structured interviews provides a perspective on academic research projects, and how the application of project management and systems engineering in an academic setting shows promise to improve the realization of concept design.

Coordinating research objectives concurrently with product development and engineering is a challenge in student-run CubeSat projects. The literature review from several universities and the International Council of Systems Engineering (INCOSE) Space Systems Working Group (SSWG) all acknowledge the need for a better methodology. This paper describes findings from a university CubeSat exploratory case study related to team management, reviews and design. Introducing Systems Engineering (SE) tools such as formalized reviews, A3 reports, systemigrams and N2 dependency maps have aided the development process. This was evident through faster development iterations and fewer design confusions. Results show that relocation into a common space based on recommendations from Concurrent Engineering (CE) has improved overall communication and team work.