Celebrating the Selection of Groundbreaking Initiatives for the arctic’s Future.
Announcing the Conclusion of Open Call #2
After a highly competitive and inspiring Open Call #2, The Arctic Phi-Lab Norway is excited to announce the official acceptance of three pioneering projects into our collaborative network. These projects, selected from a pool of outstanding submissions, exemplify the vision, scientific excellence, and innovative spirit that is essential for advancing earth observation and environmental solutions in the arctic.
Welcome to the New Projects
We are proud to introduce the following projects, each will make a significant contributions to arctic science, monitoring, and stewardship:
OASIS: Advancing Oil Spill Analysis in the arctic with Satellites and Intelligent Simulation
SINTEF and KSAT bring us the OASIS (Oil-spill Analysis in the arctic using Satellites and Intelligent Simulation) project represents a commitment to cutting-edge earth observation for a cleaner, safer arctic. By harnessing advanced satellite remote sensing and intelligent simulation, OASIS delivers real-time detection and tracking of oil spills across the challenging arctic environment. Through the integration of high-resolution satellite imagery and dynamic environmental modelling, the project empowers decision-makers with actionable insights—crucial for protecting arctic ecosystems, wildlife, and local communities.
Key Features:
- State-of-the-art remote sensing for accurate, timely oil spill detection
- Intelligent simulation to forecast spill movement under arctic conditions
- Collaboration across research, industry, and authorities for effective stewardship
OASIS not only strengthens emergency response and compliance with environmental regulations but also supports researchers and indigenous communities who depend on a resilient arctic.
Tycho Space Technologies AS : COTS-based radiation-tolerant payload data processor
Tycho Space Technologies AS, in collaboration with the University of Oslo (UiO), VAKE, and S&T, proposes to develop an advanced, COTS-based (Commercial Off The Shelf) radiation-tolerant payload data processor called TychoBoB. The project supports the upcoming UiO satellite CENSSAT-1, planned for launch in mid-2027, and aims to significantly enhance onboard computing capabilities for small satellites operating in high-radiation environments, especially in polar orbits.
The core innovation is to upgrade TychoBoB with increased radiation tolerance, reliability, and in-orbit evaluation functionality for radiation effects on data processing pipelines. This will make advanced, fault-tolerant, and affordable onboard data processing accessible to government, research, and commercial missions that currently lack cost-effective solutions for harsh space conditions.
Key project elements include:
- Redesigning hardware for radiation resilience and fault tolerance using the Kria K26 System-on-Module.
- Developing a “lab in space” for real-time evaluation of radiation effects on AI/FPGA data processing pipelines.
- Supporting adaptive sampling and onboard decision-making for dynamic Earth observation missions.
The proposal emphasizes market disruption by introducing a low-cost, reprogrammable, radiation-tolerant processing platform suitable for missions previously limited by high costs and low reliability. The project is backed by strong support from UiO and industry partners, aiming to expand the European ecosystem of advanced onboard computing technologies.
PLUME: Process for Locating and Understanding Methane Emissions
PLUME, led by NILU and KSAT, has joined Arctic Phi-Lab with a mission to revolutionize methane monitoring in the polar region. This project delivers a multi-mission solution that addresses current gaps in methane observation, offering comprehensive and complementary insights vital for environmental understanding and action. The focus on the arctic’s unique and sensitive environment presents both a challenge and an opportunity to develop novel research and monitoring strategies.
Project Highlights:
- Selected for its strong vision, scientific merit, and technical feasibility
- Receives seed funding to accelerate technology development and implementation
- Poised to advance both science and industry through innovative earth observation
PLUME’s acceptance underscores the growing importance of addressing greenhouse gas emissions as part of the arctic’s environmental agenda.
Ocean Access AS – Submersible Sensing Buoy for EO Integration
The Submersible Sensing Buoy for EO Integration in the arctic, led by Ocean Access AS, brings together advanced ocean technology and Earth Observation (EO) to address critical data gaps in the arctic. Engineered for harsh conditions, this autonomous, modular buoy profiles the water column, collecting and transmitting real-time environmental data via satellite.
Its design supports long-term, low-maintenance deployment, and it’s adaptable to various research and industry needs. By providing geo-referenced, ready-to-use datasets for EO models, the buoy enhances the precision and relevance of environmental monitoring.
Key partners, including EOMAP and NTNU SmallSat Lab, help ensure buoy integration with satellite workflows and its move toward commercial readiness. With strong interest from research institutions and industry, the project offers a scalable, innovative solution for arctic environmental stewardship, strengthening resilience and supporting better decision-making in a rapidly changing region.
Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Future
The selection and support of these new projects reflects the Arctic Phi-Lab’s dedication to fostering meaningful innovation in response to the complex challenges facing the Arctic. By bringing together leading expertise from research institutions, industry, and authorities, Arctic Phi-Lab Norway continues to drive impactful earth observation solutions for the arctic. We extend a warm welcome to all the new teams and look forward to the collaborative journey ahead. Stay tuned to www.arcticphilab.no for updates on these projects and our ongoing commitment to ensuring a resilient and thriving arctic environment.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations and a warm welcome to NILU, SINTEF, KSAT , Tycho Space Technologies AS and Ocean Access AS. We are excited to see the projects evolve and look forward to supporting your journey as part of the Arctic Phi-Lab.
For more information about the projects, companies and their work, please stay tuned to our webpage and follow future updates on the Arctic Phi-Lab Norway initiatives. If you or your company have an interesting project, please reach out and we will get in touch.
Welcome aboard!