StereoBit: Advanced Onboard Science Data Processing to Enable Future Earth Science

We propose a two-year investigation to demonstrate higher-level onboard science data processing for more intelligent SmallSats and CubeSats to enable future Earth science missions and Earth observing constellations. Low-cost SmallSat architectures with limited numbers of ground stations generally suffer from downlink bottlenecks that present impediments to delivering large volumes of data to science algorithms implemented on the ground and generating timely science or operational products. When data compression and playback cannot provide a complete solution, data acquisitions per orbit must be sacrificed. This is highly undesirable for weather and climate objectives that require global-scale observations. Our approach to resolving this bottleneck is to disaggregate science data processing and embed science algorithms onboard. Our project leverages ESTO's investment in the SpaceCube family of onboard processors with Size-Weight-and-Power (SWAP) suitable for SmallSat and CubeSat applications. It is now important to focus on application development for these processors to realize the full benefit of this investment. We target our pathfinder application to an objective relevant to the 2017-2027 Earth Sciences Decadal Survey - atmospheric dynamics with 3D stereo tracking of cloud and moisture features using a Structure from Motion (SfM) technique that we call StereoBit. StereoBit is well suited to the hybrid SpaceCube architecture that includes Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) that can be programmed for computation. Our StereoBit approach derives from our work in 3D Winds using the MISR instrument onboard NASA's Terra spacecraft together with imagery from NOAA's geostationary satellites. We envision implementing StereoBit onboard using multi-angle data from a sensor such as the ESTO-funded Compact Mid-wave IR System (CMIS) and exploiting information from other vantage points, including geostationary satellites. StereoBit enables large-scale data volume reductions to realize the full science value of each orbit without degradation or compromise. Our proposal includes a testbed to enable development of intelligent onboard systems and test them under flight-like conditions while running on actual spacecraft processors. The testbed has a cloud-hosted, FPGA-enabled component that is scalable to emulate computing capabilities implemented on other platforms for collaborative computing concepts and for off-premise development and testing. We will develop and prove the onboard StereoBit approach to stereo 3D winds to achieve TRL 6 capability by study completion. Best practices derived from our investigations will be valuable to other application areas in the Earth sciences and will be shared with the community.

Advance Earth system science knowledge through the identification, development, and demonstration of innovative information systems technologies

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.