Key facts
- University of Toronto students are developing a nano-satellite named FINCH.
- FINCH is designed to measure crop stubble on farm fields from low Earth orbit.
- The project aims to offer a cheaper alternative to expensive satellites or drones for crop residue analysis.
- The FINCH nano-satellite is planned for launch in 2028 or 2029.
- The technology could be deployed globally to measure crop residue and assess soil health.
Students from the University of Toronto's Space Systems program are developing a nano-satellite, codenamed FINCH (Field Imaging Nanosatellite for Crop residue Hyperspectral mapping). This satellite, roughly the size of a housecat, is designed to measure crop stubble on farm fields from low Earth orbit using shortwave infra-red sensors with wavelengths ranging from 1.0 to 2.5 micrometers. The project, which began in 2020 and involves approximately 150 students, aims to provide a more cost-effective method for tracking soil erosion, nutrient return, carbon sequestration, and soil organic matter compared to existing expensive satellite or drone technologies. Nano-satellites, also known as CubeSats, can be launched for between $50,000 and $100,000. The FINCH team is collaborating with the EMILI research farm in Manitoba to 'ground truth' their technology using data from the EnMAP satellite. The launch of the FINCH nano-satellite is anticipated for 2028 or 2029. If successful, the technology could be deployed globally, including in Southeast Asia and Africa, to monitor crop residue and soil health.