Hyperspectral Image Segmentation for Optimal Satellite Operations: In-Orbit Deployment of 1D-CNN

AI on spaceborne platforms optimizes operations and increases automation, crucial for satellites with limited downlink capacity. It can ensure that only valuable information is transmitted, minimizing resources spent on unnecessary data, which is especially important in hyperspectral Earth Observation missions, producing large data volumes. Our previous work showed that the 1D-CNN, 1D-Justo-LiuNet, outperformed 2D-CNNs and Vision Transformers for hyperspectral segmentation with an accuracy of 0.93 and 4563 parameters, making our model the best choice for in-orbit deployment. While the state of the art has deployed 1D-CNNs on low-power platforms, such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, they have still not been deployed in space before. In this work, we mark the first deployment and testing of a 1D-CNN in a satellite. We implement a C version of the 1D-Justo-LiuNet and, after ground validation, we deploy it on board the HYPSO-1 satellite. We demonstrate in-flight segmentation of hyperspectral images via the 1D-CNN to classify pixels into sea, land, and cloud categories. We show how in-orbit segmentation improves satellite operations, increases automation, and optimizes downlink. We give examples of how in-orbit segmentation addresses mission challenges in HYPSO-1, such as incomplete data reception, incorrect satellite pointing, and cloud cover, helping to decide whether to transmit or discard data on board. An additional CNN autonomously interprets the segmented images, enabling on-board decisions on data downlink.