Expressions of Intent for IPY 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

A NEW HYPER SPECTRAL IMAGING MICRO SATELLITE  (SVALBIRD)

Outline
We intent to construct and launch a new generation of polar orbiting micro satellites for Earth observation. The project is a joint venture with the Technical University of Berlin (TUB), University Centre on Svalbard (UNIS) and Kongsberg Satellite Services, Svalbard Station (SVALSAT). TUB has developed expertise in construction and launch of 6 micro satellites in polar orbit with special emphasise on attitude control and environmental / house keeping aspects (The TUBSAT series). In addition, the partners of this proposal have already finished the ground segment including an installed and operative command station at the roof of UNIS and a data downlink from SVALSAT. The resent installed fibre cable to Norway has also proven to be useful for real-time acquisition of the TUBSAT satellites presently in orbit.The TUBSAT payloads have so far been video cameras with rather limited use when it comes to number of possible applications. But the satellites ability to lock on a ground target and sweep slowly over the terrain, makes them ideal for a line scanning instrument such as a hyper spectral imager. UNIS has developed small airborne hyper spectral imagers that image objects with both high spatial and spectral resolution. These instruments have proven to be a successful tool on a large number of applications in remote sensing (see list below). As a consequence, we therefore propose to go one step further by adding a spectral imager to the TUBSAT family.Provided funding, we aim to make observations covering a number of applications including (but not limited to):1.Ocean Colour, Algae blooming surveillance 2.Vegetation mapping 3.Sea Ice Mapping and Sea Ice Dynamics 4.Snow covered area mapping 5.Natural resource management 6.Glacial Mass Balance 7.Weather data for forecast modelling (clouds versus snow cover) 8.Cloud liquid content, aerosols, trace gases, cloud transmission 9.Polar Search and Rescue studies During construction and use of the satellite, we aim to actively involve students. The course AGF-331 "Remote Sensing and Spectroscopy" at UNIS already contain lectures about the TUBSAT project and spectral imaging in general. A new course is now under planning and will deal with satellite construction from scratch. We plan to invite guest lectures to cover topics including attitude control, payload construction and operation with special focus on the proposed satellite. We aim to promote the project in order to recruit new students at Master and PhD level.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
A new generation of polar orbiting micro satellites adhere directly to the rationale of the IPY:1) Real-time interactive remote sensing (enhanced monitoring) of polar regions2) Take advantage of the fact that all polar orbiting satellites are visible from Svalbard. Make use of the already existing infrastructure.3) Teaching.4) Leave a legacy of observing sites, facilities and systems to support ongoing polar research and monitoring.5) …

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
The Technical University of Berlin, Germany.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The Command stations are at UNIS and TUB. The downlink station at SVALSAT.Target area is the whole polar cap.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 01/07 – 01/08            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
The infrastructure is already here: downlink, command stations and high speed fibre to mainland Norway.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project will leave an operational remote sensing satellite in polar orbit with hyper spectral capability. Teaching and recruitment of student will continue after IPY.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Consortium
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
Own support

Operational logistics and support will be provided by the UNIS, SVALSAT and TUB

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
No - This is the first IPY related contact for this project

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes
Activity plan: 1 1-6 months Procurements 2a 6-12months Satellite Bus construction 2b 6-12months Payload construction 3 12-18months Testing and launch delivery 4 18 - months Ready for launch as piggy back 5 1-12 months Teaching and Transfer of Technology Program

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be managed by UNIS, with two scientific program managers (research scientists), two scientists from TUB, and one technical staff from SVALSAT. Administrative manager will be at UNIS (Director of UNIS).

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
UNIS has already 3 courses that fits the SVALBIRD project:1) AGF-331 "Remote Sensing and Spectroscopy" 2) AGF-207 "Space Activity and Remote sensing" 3) AGF-218 "Satellite and Sounding rocket construction" In addition popular science interviews, articles and talks have been and will be made

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document)?
SVABIRD will conform to IPY 2007-2008 data and information management policy.

How is it proposed to fund the project?

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Fred Sigernes
The University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS)
P.O. Box 156
Longyearbyen
N-9171
Norway

Tel: +47 79023335
Mobile:
Fax: +47 79023301
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation

Other Information