Observational Pyramid with Hyperspectral Nano-Satellites for Ocean Science (HYPSCI)

Through this project, dubbed HYPSCI that can be short for "HYPSO science", we aim to exploit hyper-spectral data from the HYPSO satellites and explore usecases within oceanography, biology and chemistry. The project is mainly funded through the FRINATEK-framework at the Norwegian Research Council (webpage at the NRC).

Project aim and goals

This overall objective is to show that hyperspectral imaging from small satellites, in combination with observations from buoys, ships and autonomous vehicles at low-altitude and in-situ, provides a highly effective approach to marine ecosystem research relevant from pole to pole and in different temporal and spatial scales, as illustrated by the observational pyramid in the image below.

The project aims to demonstrate the potential of this disruptive concept of an observational pyramid by leveraging NTNU's unique satellites with hyperspectral imagers (HYPSO) and NTNU's long-term research and infrastructure within its Center of Excellence on Autonomous Marine Operations and Systems (AMOS). The project brings together a team of leading scientists with expertise in remote sensing, autonomous systems, hyperspectral imaging, small satellite systems, ocean modelling, bio-optics, bio-geo-chemistry and marine ecology.

HYPSCI will exploit synergies ongoing research program and campaigns, including collaboration with REV Ocean, GoNorth, Nansen Legacy, the Norwegian Coastal Administration, University of Porto, and the Ocean Data Foundation. Such collaborations will on one hand provide ground truth for validation of HYPSCI, and on the other hand will HYPSCI provide added value through its novel data products. These collaborations will initially focus locally on the coastal areas of mid Norway, then move on the coastal areas of Svalbard and Fram Strait, and later explore opportunities in Macaronesia (Azores to Cape Verde), South Africa, and Antarctica (Southern Ocean).