NTNU have two operational hyperspectral satellites on orbit, the HYPSO-1 and HYPSO-2 satellites. Both are equipped with a hyperspectral camera. See more about the satellites on hypso.space!). 

To follow up these activities, we are currently designing new camera systems. There is a need for software development, all the way from low-level camera hardware drivers to user-layer, processing and distribution. Some processing is done on processors, some processing will be done by HW accelerators (FPGA). 

The main processing platform is based on the AMD Xilinx UltraScale+ MPSoC, and you will be working either with a development environment or with the prototype of the smallsat on-board processing platform TychoBoB (which stems from a project initially co-developed with NTNU). 

Concrete tasks

The student or students will contribute to the project with one or more of the following tasks: 

• Embedded Linux driver and user software development: We need a camera sensor with better sensitivity in the UV-band. One candidate is a black-silicon detector from SiONYX. The camera is controlled over I2C and the main data stream is over MIPI. The full software-strack from HW-driver to user command/control must be developed. There exist a framework that shall be completed. Investigate if the GenICam framework can be applied. 
• Adapt and integrate other new image sensors into the existing software framework, such as the IMX487  or the GLUX9701. Investigate if the GenICam framework can be applied.  
• Adapt processing algorithms to hardware accellerators - meaning move code from processor to FPGA. Tasks will span planning, high-level-syntesis, testing and validation of designs. 

Impact
Space technology plays a crucial role in achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN. The NTNU SmallSat Lab's HYPSO satellites, launched in 2022 and with a successor planned, utilize hyperspectral imagers to capture detailed information beyond the visible. This data allows us to detect and monitor water bodies like oceans, fjords, and lakes, including vital yet potentially harmful algae. The HYPSO satellites also contribute to climate change studies by imaging the Arctic region. Ultimately, HYPSO data aims play a role in achieving Climate Action, Preserving Life Below Water, and ensure access to Clean Water and Sanitation.

Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking a highly motivated final year student in Cybernetics, Electronics, or a related field with an interest in embedded systems, image processing and remote sensing applications. The project will be adapted to the student's background and goals. 

How we work
At the NTNU SmallSat Lab we encourage collaboration and try to get our group to help each other. To facilitate this, we encourage the students to meet us in the lab as well as arrange common lunches and workshops where the students and supervisors can learn from each other. 

Contact Roger Birkeland roger.birkeland@ntnu.no