<i>AEROS MH-1</i> : An Oceanographic Hyperspectral Imaging CubeSat with Argos and LoRa Tracking

AEROS MH-1 is a 3U CubeSat pathfinder toward a future ocean-observing constellation focused on the Portuguese Atlantic region. Launched on March 4, 2024, the spacecraft was deployed into a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit. The spacecraft contains a miniaturized Hyperspectral Imager (HSI), a 5 MP RGB camera, and a software-defined radio (SDR) for interfacing with Argos and LoRa signals from remote platforms. These payloads support Portuguese scientific innovation and foster international space industry partnerships, with data processed for end-users through a web-based Data Analysis Center. The HSI collects ocean color data to investigate oceanographic characteristics such as primary productivity, chlorophyll-a concentrations, and water quality—key factors that influence the spatiotemporal distribution of marine organisms. The SDR facilitates ocean-to-space connectivity, receiving signals from tagged marine organisms, vessels, subsurface floats, and buoys that utilize Argos and/or LoRa frequencies. Correlation of location data from animal-borne platforms with oceanographic observations enhances marine spatial planning, fisheries management, ecosystem-based management, and bio-oceanographic research. This paper discusses payload design, performance validation for use cases, and compliance with community-defined measurement requirements. Since launch, AEROS MH-1 has downlinked over 40 RGB images of global scenes and remains operational. However, an observed power anomaly has delayed further payload demonstrations; troubleshooting efforts are ongoing.