Under evaluation · AIC

CHAZE-Agro

SATELLITE · PRECISION AGRICULTURE

Cooperative satellite mission with Sony IMX454 hyperspectral sensor (41 bands) on Zynq-7020 FPGA. Subsystems named in Huarpe language: YOTO, NEU, CHALÚ-X, HIERNEN.

Project Description

Cooperative satellite mission integrating a Sony IMX454 hyperspectral sensor for precision agriculture. The platform is based on a Zynq-7020 FPGA that manages 41-band spectral image acquisition. Subsystems are named in Huarpe language: YOTO (on-board computer), NEU (power), CHALÚ-X (communications), HIERNEN (structure). Project submitted to AIC call, under evaluation.

Identification

Status: Under evaluation · AIC
Area: SATELLITE · PRECISION AGRICULTURE
Code: /en/projects/chaze-agro
Partners: 5
Technologies: 4

Main Objective

Develop and scientifically validate, within 18 months, a functional hyperspectral payload prototype based on a 450-900 nm integrated sensor with a reconfigurable SoC processing pipeline and in-house radiometric calibration, achieving TRL 6 on relevant crop environments in San Juan and establishing the path to satellite scaling.

Technological Challenges

High-density hyperspectral PCB design

Design, manufacture, and characterize a 10-layer HDI board that integrates the hyperspectral sensor, Zynq-class processing, high-speed memory, and controlled-impedance links with passive thermal management for UAV operation.

Embedded FPGA processing IP cores

Develop FPGA IP cores for synchronized LVDS capture, real-time demosaicing, radiometric correction, and CCSDS-style compression under strict power limits for airborne payloads.

Radiometric calibration and spectral library

Establish a validated radiometric workflow and build a crop spectral library across phenological stages and controlled water-stress levels to support robust agronomic interpretation.

UAV integration and TRL 6 validation

Integrate the payload in a stabilized UAV configuration with precise georeferencing and execute multi-campaign flights over commercial fields to demonstrate operational validity.

Open and reconfigurable in-flight architecture

Implement an open FPGA architecture, unlike closed commercial systems, enabling in-flight adjustments of integration time, spectral response, and correction algorithms.

Environmental qualification and satellite scaling

Perform environmental stress testing aligned with aerospace practice and preserve firmware-core continuity toward CubeSat-class scaling without architecture reset.

Key Features

Spectral range

450-900 nm with fine focus on red-edge response for water-stress detection

Central processing

Zynq-class ARM + FPGA architecture with embedded Linux workflow

Form factor

Compact high-density payload design with satellite-oriented engineering criteria

Power envelope

Designed for low-power airborne operation with integrated processing

Validation target

TRL 6 through relevant UAV campaigns on productive fields

Scalability path

Prepared migration route toward CubeSat 2U/3U payload evolution

Phase Timeline

Stage 1: Design and early science setup

M1-M6

Reference-kit operation, field radiometry baseline, lab setup, and preliminary hardware architecture review.

Stage 2: Native payload implementation

M7-M12

Critical procurement, HDI fabrication, BGA assembly, FPGA firmware development, and integrated bench validation.

Stage 3: TRL 6 operational validation

M13-M18

UAV integration, multi-campaign field flights, agronomic correlation, and final readiness evidence.

Cross-cutting: Management, IP, and transfer

M1-M18

Program tracking, technical reporting, IP strategy, and transfer package preparation for institutional adoption.

Team

Faculty and Researchers

Dr. Martín A. Guzzo
Dr. Gabriel E. Cañadas
Dr. Eugenio Orosco
Eric Laciar

Students and Fellows

Jeremías Gaia
Jorge David Asencio
Guillermo Trigo

Strategic Partners

INTA San Juan

Scientific co-executor

Contribution: Provides agronomic validation framework, spectral interpretation, and field scientific support.

CONAE

Institutional technical advisor

Contribution: Supports aerospace engineering criteria, environmental qualification logic, and satellite-integration roadmapping.

Barcelo Femenia SRL

Primary industry associate

Contribution: Provides real crop environments and operational logistics for extensive field validation campaigns.

Nutrientes SA

Industry associate

Contribution: Contributes agronomic support and complementary field conditions for stress-response experiments.

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