Study of Ocean Health: AEROS CubeSat's Impact on Environmental Research

A new CubeSat called AEROS-MH1 has been launched into space to study and monitor ocean health. This multinational academic-industry collaboration involving the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and several Portuguese institutions marks an important milestone for Portugal's space program. Launched in March, the CubeSat is now orbiting Earth every 90 minutes at an altitude of almost 137 miles. AEROS will utilize spectroscopic techniques to measure ocean health and connect with aerial drones and bio-logged marine life. The satellite aims to collect hyperspectral imaging data of the coastline and oceans around Portugal while gathering information to understand biodiversity and the environment. The project is financially supported by the Fundao para a Cincia e Tecnologia, aligning with the U.N.'s Sustainable Development Goals. The CubeSat's command center is located in the Azores, where data will be processed to analyze the health of the oceans and marine life. The MIT students involved in the project play a crucial role in ensuring the success of the mission through their technical expertise and contributions. This collaboration highlights the importance of international partnerships in fostering innovation and training future leaders in various sectors, including climate, space, oceans, urban mobility, and energy.