Key facts
- University of Toronto students are developing a nano-satellite named FINCH.
University of Toronto students are developing a housecat-sized nano-satellite, FINCH, to map crop stubble from low Earth orbit. This technology aims to provide a cheaper alternative to existing methods for assessing soil health and carbon sequestration, with a planned launch between 2028 and 2029.
Measuring crop residue is crucial for understanding soil health, tracking nutrient return, and assessing carbon sequestration, which are vital for sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation efforts.
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.
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