BEXUS: H.E.I.M.D.A.L
The H.E.I.M.D.A.L experiment
H.E.I.M.D.A.L. is a space project made in collaboration between students from both Aarhus University and University of Southern Denmark. It is an acronym for “Hyperspectral Environmental Imagery Measurements Differentiating between Areas of Localized specimens”. The experiment will be launched as part of the REXUS/BEXUS programme.
(for more information check out www.rexusbexus.net) 
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an imaging technique that for each pixel measures not only the main 3 colors, but a wide. This leads to each pixel having a color spectrum. The experiment is a proof of concept that it is possible to use hyper spectral imaging to identify biomass and land cover by looking at the color specters and comparing them to known color signatures. 
Mission concept
The scientific objectives of the mission are:
1. Land cover classification
2. Cloud-snow discrimination
3. Biomass classification + wetlands determination
Land cover classification
Land cover classification relies on hyperspectral data's ability to capture distinct spectral fingerprints of different materials. The data is divided into numerous spectral bands and statistical or machine learning algorithms are employed to identify patterns and associate them with specific land cover classes. For example, healthy vegetation shows strong absorption features in the visible and near-infrared regions, while water bodies have unique spectral responses. This detailed land cover classification is pivotal for land-use planning, environmental monitoring, and disaster management.
Cloud-snow discrimination
Hyperspectral imaging is capable of distinguishing between clouds and snow by examining spectral signatures. Clouds typically exhibit higher reflectance in visible and near- infrared wavelengths due to sunlight scattering by water droplets. Conversely, snow crystals display distinctive absorption features in the mid-infrared spectrum. This capability is instrumental in meteorology, aiding accurate weather forecasting and climate research.
Biomass classification
Hyperspectral imaging contributes significantly to biomass estimation and classification. Different plant species and vegetation types have unique spectral signatures, particularly in the visible and near-infrared ranges. Healthy vegetation have high reflectance in the near-infrared due to chlorophyll absorption, while stressed or unhealthy vegetation displays different spectral responses. By analyzing hyperspectral data and using machine learning techniques we can determine the composition and health of biomes.
Future possibilities 
Our vision is not that H.E.I.M.D.A.L. will be a standalone project, but also be part of flight proving the camera for a CubeSat satellite mission. This mission will be part of the DanIsh Student Cubesat programme DISCO. 
The balloon and the experiment
The experiment will take place in October 2024 and be launched as part of the 15th BEXUS cycle. The balloon will fly for about 1-5 hours at a height of 25-33 km over northern Sweden.
The team
Our team consists of the following 12 students:
- Tobias Jørgensen (Team Lead)
- Albertino Bach (Mechanical)
- Søren Jørgensen (Mechanical)
- Mads Juul AHlebæk (Scientist)
- Christian Hald Jessen (Scientist)
- Laurits Tværmose (Scientist)
- Silja Grentoft (Scientist, outreach)
- Jes Enok Steinmüller (Scientist, outreach)
- Christian Cordes (Software)
- Jonas Jakobsen (Software)
- Frederik Lunding (Electronics, Outreach)
- Loui Collin - Enoch (Electronics)
- Viktor Kanstrup (Electronics)
The subteams
Scientists:
The focus of this group is data acquisition and processing. 
This includes collecting spectra from different plants to be identified during the biomass classification as well as developing the machine learning algorithm that will be used to deconstruct and analyze the acquired data. 

Mechanical:
The focus of this group is the mechanical part of the experiment. This includes the mounting of the camera and the physical and practical design of the setup. This further includes finding solutions to problems regarding issues such heat dispersion, the cold and possible shocks. 

Electrical:
This group focuses on the electrical components and requirements of the experiment and finding solutions to any complications related to the power supply and requirements of the camera as well as the physical wiring to any other components.

Software:
This group focuses on the software side of the experiment which includes everything from data collection and transfer, to backup and efficient use of available downlink. The work also includes delving into the programming of the camera and making sure that every part is compatible.

Outreach:
PH
Project updates and news
(2023-12-13) - H.E.I.M.D.A.L was accepted
We at HEIMDAL are incredibly happy and excited to announce that we have been selected by the BEXUS selection panel to be part of the launch of the 15th cycle. This means that we have been greenlit and will during october 2024 take part in the launch of the BEXUS balloon and conduct our experiment. 
This is a monumental step for our project and will be the beginning of a great process and possible future experiments and missions that we believe will help develop new methods to protect our world. 
During the selection workshop in Leiden, Netherlands we had the chance to meet a lot of experts in the field of space projects and we got a lot of insightful comments and recommendations that will help our development
The next step we are preparing for is the training workshop in Kiruna, Sweden where we will show our PDR (Preliminary Design Review ) and further prepare and polish the experiment for the launch.
We are looking forward to the rest of this process with excitement, ambition and high expectations. 
Contact
For any questions regarding the project, please just write to us via the contact form below:
Submit
Thank you!
↑Back to Top