Proposal: Polaris should submit a proposal to ESA to run code on OPS-SAT
Overview
ESA is having a competition to have code run on OPS-SAT. I think Polaris should submit a proposal. Proposals are due by May 23, 2021. I'm happy to help organize this.
What's OPS-SAT?
- 3U cubesat currently in orbit, operated by ESA
- Computer hardware: 512MB RAM, 800MHz CPU
- Computer software: Linux OS, Python 3.5, Tensorflow Lite, Java
- Other hardware:
- high definition camera (RGGB Bayer colour filter, 2048 x 1944 pixels)
- fine attitude control unit equipped with reaction wheels
- star tracker, gyros and magnets,
- software defined radio capable of sensing the RF spectrum in the UHF range (425 MHz centre frequency)
- GPS receiver.
More details can be found on the competition page; a very detailed spec document is here.
What do we want it to do?
Looking for proposals! Some ideas:
- Use BETSI to detect anomalies in real time
- Train models using SatNOGS ground stations, run them on OPS-SAT
- Running ML training on the onboard FPGA
When is it due?
Soon: Proposals are due May 22, 2021. The competition closes on July 4, 2021.
What do I need to do?
These are the open questions:
-
Do we have time to create a submission? (Note: we may be able to get help with this from the Libre Space Foundation.)
- If you have the time to help, leave a reply here.
-
Do we have/can we come up with good ideas for what to run on OPS-SAT?
- If you have an idea, leave a reply here.
Where can I read more?
Reference material:
- Detailed hardware spec
- Mission page for OPS SAT
- Open Source Cubesat Workshop tutorial on using OPS-SAT
- ESA page taking proposals
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303098575_OPS-SAT_Preparing_for_the_Operations_of_ESA%27s_First_NanoSat
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303098634_OPS-SAT_Operational_Concept_for_ESA%27S_First_Mission_Dedicated_to_Operational_Technology
- https://nanosat-mo-framework.github.io/, which is installed on OPS SAT. Description of NanoSat MO Framework: "This is a set of Java libraries which effectively hide the low level complication of operating the different units to allow the experimenters to concentrate on their applications – it is just like developing a smartphone app, except your app runs onboard a flying satellite. Another advantage of using the NMF is that the users can easily control these apps via a browser application over the internet."
- OPS-SAT Smartcam, an application already running on OPS-SAT which classifies images taken by onboard cameras; this is used to prioritize pictures for download.